A lookback at Guernsey's telephony history

Thursday 24 June 2021

Sure is hosting a free public exhibition at the George Crossan Gallery to mark the 125 years since the States voted to introduce telephones to the island.

Titled 'Ring Please: 125 years of connecting people', the exhibition is in the art gallery in the Inner Street of the Market, above the Guernsey Weigh, and highlights the Bailiwick’s telephone and internet history.

Islanders can visit the exhibition until Saturday 3 July, when it is open from 10:00 until 17:00 every day (except for Sunday 27 June).  

“What many people do not realise is that Guernsey has been an innovator and leader in the telephony industry for the last 125 years," said Justin Bellinger, Chief Executive at Sure in Guernsey.

"From creating a telephone network that was affordable for all islanders instead of the wealthy few in 1896, to becoming the first completely digital exchange system in the world in 1994, and finally seeing a 45% increase in home broadband traffic in 2020 during the first lockdown.

"Our history is unique and this exhibition celebrates that.”