Sure in talks with States to make broadband faster

Alistair Beak, acting CEO of the Sure Group, said enhancing the broadband fibre network in Guernsey was under active investigation, with talks ongoing with the States about how best to achieve that.

Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, he said: ‘Over that period, we saw a 40 to 50% increase in traffic over our network, demonstrating that communication has never been more important.

‘That has accelerated a move to an even more digital lifestyle and even more digital transformation in businesses.

‘It’s also highlighted the importance of investment in networks and longer-term planning.

‘We wouldn’t have been able to support that kind of network traffic increase unless we had continuously and strategically invested in the network over previous years.’

These trends meant that Sure needed to be building for everyone’s digital future, which Mr Beak said was an exciting part of his role.

‘We need a strong eye on the future and to ask ourselves what is the investment that we need to continue making? In some cases, we’ll need to make greater investment too.

‘As we come out of Covid, effectively we’re going into a new phase where building our digital future becomes the new face for Sure.’

In the commercial and residential space, that meant building faster broadband networks to support digital services from working from home to more immersive gaming and ultra-HD streaming developments.

For businesses, it meant supporting them on that digital transformation journey.

Asked whether 5G or fibre technology was being investigated to support faster broadband, Mr Beak said both were being looked at.

Fibre and 5G trials had been conducted, he said, but while 5G had a lot of potential it was not as attractive as fibre would be for providing faster broadband services in the future.

‘Our fibre broadband trials have performed very well and as we extend these we’re likely to be making some announcements in the next few months.

‘We are in discussions with the States of Guernsey, and those discussions are continuing, and we are hopeful of a partnership with the government at some stage so we can build our digital future together,’ he added.

The Sure Group acting CEO also confirmed its shareholders were very supportive of the business, particularly of Guernsey given it is Sure’s home market and headquarters.

Millions of pounds have been spent strengthening critical national infrastructure during the pandemic, noted Mr Beak, and such investment would continue.

He also spoke about his pride in his colleagues for providing critical communications infrastructure during the pandemic and in Sure’s community foundation helping islanders through various initiatives.

On a personal note, Mr Break said he had been welcomed with open arms in Guernsey since joining Sure four years ago, initially as chief marketing officer.