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A policy letter outlining financial support in order to accelerate the roll out of Sure’s new fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband network to reach all premises in Guernsey has today been approved by the States of Guernsey.
The project represents a £37.5m investment, including a capped investment of up to £12.5m from the States of Guernsey. Deputies this week voted in favour of the contribution, which forms part of the Digital Framework – an important action in the Government Work Plan.
Sure will begin rolling out Guernsey Fibre in early 2022 and the project is due to be completed by 2026. The States of Guernsey’s investment will enable Sure to accelerate the programme and extend fibre broadband to all 30,000 homes on the island within the timeframe.
Justin Bellinger, Sure’s Guernsey Chief Executive, said: “Today’s decision is good news for Guernsey as we can now proceed with this landmark project. Guernsey Fibre is going to bring faster speeds to all 30,000 households across the island and will support islanders’ increasingly digital lifestyles. That means seamless working and learning from home and access to high-quality HD entertainment and gaming. Crucially, it also demonstrates Guernsey’s ability to compete in the digital age on an international scale. We’re confident it will help our island home stand out as an adopter of new technologies and a pioneer of new ways of working.”
Deputy Peter Ferbrache, President of the Policy & Resources Committee said: “Strong, reliable and fast internet connections are critical to our business sectors, even more so during and since the pandemic. This new roll out will ensure that our community is able to do all the things they want and need to online with top-quality connection speeds.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of the Committee for Economic Development said: “This is a significant investment in Guernsey’s future as we expect increased productivity across the board, as local businesses will be able to work remotely and develop further their digital capabilities with confidence, wherever they are. We’re very pleased to be taking this step forward in revolutionising Guernsey’s broadband network.”
Now that States funding is agreed, Sure has immediately started recruiting for the new team members needed to roll out the project. Many of these require no technical experience; training will be provided and Sure is looking to recruit anyone who would like to be involved in building and installing the next generation of Guernsey's connectivity.
Much like the current broadband network, Sure’s new fibre network will also be available to other telecommunications operators to access on a fair and equitable basis as regulated by the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority. This means that all customers will be able to choose their supplier for fibre.
The commercial pilot launches on Tuesday 19 October and will see customers in specific areas contacted directly when they are able to receive a fibre connection to their home.
For more information on Guernsey Fibre, visit the Sure Guernsey Fibre website.