5G trials now available in the Channel Islands

Friday 24 August 2018

5G "innovation and trial spectrum licenses" are now available in the Channel Islands, allowing operators and software developers to pioneer new products ahead of any commercial services being introduced.

5G is more than a new generation of technologies that marks a new era of connectivity where it will become increasingly fluid and flexible. 5G Networks will adapt to applications and performance will be tailored precisely to the needs of the user, which will be more cost effective to operate and dramatically improve quality of service.

Working closely with the local mobile operators pioneering 5G, The Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities (The Competition Authority) has engaged with the Channel Island governments and key stakeholders to develop a framework for the introduction of new licenses and spectrum for 5G.

These are necessary to ensure that the Channel Island economies, and particularly its digital sectors, can harness the future power of 5G for the benefit of all, it said.

The Competition Authority has already held discussions with Ofcom in the UK (which manages the spectrum allocation on the Channel Islands' behalf) to ensure the appropriate spectrum (radio frequencies) will be available to local operators.

Pictured: Tim Ringsdore. 

Tim Ringsdore, Director at CICRA, said: "We have worked very closely with Ofcom to ensure the Channel Islands have the right amount of spectrum to enable 5G services in the future. 

"The announcement today of a formal process agreed by Ofcom and CICRA for operators to acquire innovation/test spectrum and licenses should provide a clear message to the outside world that the Channel Islands is open for new business and we will encourage developers from all over the world to come to the Islands and work with Digital Jersey, Greenhouse Guernsey and local operators to develop new world class solutions". 

The commercial services that the newly developed 5G products will cater for are set to become available 2020/21. 

CICRA has organised a 5G summit on 26 November in Guernsey to provide public information regarding all aspects of 5G, in  particular how stakeholders will work together to ensure the islands gain the most from this exciting technology. Government officials will take part in the summit to ensure everyone understands the challenges and opportunities that this new technology may deliver to the islands.

Lucy Witham from the Digital Greenhouse Guernsey said: "We are delighted with the news that spectrum and innovation/test licenses are now available. 

"We see 5G as a great opportunity for Guernsey to take advantage of this new technology for the benefit of local consumers but to also show case the great work that is already happening in the digital sector of Guernsey, we will continue to support and work with CICRA to create a world class environment for those who wish to take advantage of this exciting new technology."