Sure has announced it is rolling out a fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband network direct to every property in Guernsey, offering 1Gb/second coverage for all – up to 50 times faster than today’s basic broadband.
Sure will begin the £37.5m investment to connect properties in 2022 and aims to complete by the end of 2026.
The work will be supported by a capped investment from the States of Guernsey of up to £12.5m, subject to approval by the States Assembly.
The investment will be a boost to the local economy, creating 75 jobs and bringing millions of pounds to local suppliers – Sure has pledged to work with Guernsey businesses where possible.
The impact of faster broadband on the broader economy is anticipated to be an increase of 0.3% to 1.1% in GDP.
Justin Bellinger, Sure’s Chief Executive in Guernsey, commented: “Our Guernsey fibre project is a huge milestone for Sure as we invest to meet the island’s future broadband needs.
"The pandemic accelerated demand for broadband, bringing about huge changes in terms of working and learning from home, as well as the take up of collaborative digital services such as video conference calling. This investment marks the next step in our telecoms evolution.”
According to Sure, the fibre network will also make its broadband more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Although more than 500km of fibre cabling runs around the island, most homes are connected to the network via copper cabling. But the amount of energy needed to send light through a fibre optic cable is considerably less than needed to transmit an electrical signal through copper.
Alistair Beak, Sure Group CEO, added: “The partial funding from the States of Guernsey will have a significant impact in ensuring island-wide coverage and an accelerated roll-out within five years. We’re building a network that’s going to make a difference for everyone in Guernsey.”
Pictured l-r: Deputy Mark Helyar, Deputy Neil Inder, Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Alistair Beak (Sure CEO), Deputy Bob Murray, Justin Bellinger (Sure Guernsey Chief Executive)