A fast rollout of 5G services and boosting the government’s e-gov plans are at the heart of Jersey’s new telecoms strategy.
The Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Paul Routier, unveiled the plan, produced by telecoms experts Oxera, at the Digital Jersey Hub.
It will be used alongside an action plan detailing the steps that government, industry and the regulator will take to ensure the sector supports the economy, fits in with the needs of the digital sector, and helps consumers take control of their household spending.
The strategy will, according to Senator Routier, do the following:
- clear the way for cutting-edge networks and innovation to take place in Jersey
- boost competition, with a view to helping consumers get the best deal
- modernise the delivery of social policies and emergency service communications
- protect Jersey from threats to its connectivity
- increase transparency of the sector through monitoring of key sector indicators.
The Digital Policy Unit will coordinate a cross-government approach, bringing together different departments, the regulator and the industry to deliver an ambitious action plan that will work towards tangible progress for the sector.
Senator Routier said: “This telecoms strategy provides vital analysis of just how far we have already come in developing our digital infrastructure. Our fibre network, 4G networks and off-island links enable Jersey to act as a preferred location for global businesses and to support growth opportunities for the island’s future.”
“Nevertheless, there is still work to do in securing our place as one of the world’s best-connected jurisdictions. We will aim for growth of digital services across all sectors through next-generation connectivity and universal fibre connectivity, effective retail competition to meet consumer preferences, internet access for everyone in society and more companies using Jersey as a testbed.”
Priorities include:
- island-wide growth of digital services across all sectors including eGov
- fast adoption of 5G networks to provide ubiquitous very high-speed fixed and mobile connectivity
- effective retail competition to meet varying consumer preferences
- companies using Jersey as a testbed, bringing jobs and investment to the Island
- an even more digital society, with almost all residents using the internet regularly
CEO of Digital Jersey, Tony Moretta, said: “Jersey is fortunate to have some of the best digital infrastructure of any jurisdiction in the world, with 4G networks covering the whole island, a full fibre network that passes all Jersey’s homes and businesses, and an innovative telecoms sector that is constantly developing new services in areas such as the Internet of Things.”
“I am pleased to see further support from Government in this strategy, in addition to the recent funding of our new IoT Lab, for growing this sector even further and developing Jersey’s proposition as a testbed for new technologies.”
