JT signs deal to bring 5G to the Channel Islands

Just four years on from the deployment of its 4G network, JT is again partnering with ZTE to create a new 5G mobile network for the Channel Islands. The deal was signed by JT executives on Tuesday in Shenzhen, China. JT officials are in the region as part of an official Jersey trade delegation, led by the chief minister, to further develop the island’s business links with Asia. Now contracts are signed, JT will begin work with ZTE on this new network aiming to launch a test service during 2019, subject to CICRA licensing spectrum. Whilst the 5G standard is not complete yet, JT aims to roll out incremental improvements as standards solidify and expects to offer a Channel Island wide service by 2021. 5G enables download speeds up to 10x faster than today’s speeds, together with the ability to connect many more devices. In time it will play a key part in supporting our Islands’ role as an Internet of Things ‘Digital Sandbox’. JT forecast that, in addition to thousands of IoT devices, by 2023 10% of Islanders will have 5G enabled devices.