Graeme Millar WCA Awards

Double shortlisting in telecoms ‘Oscars’ for Jersey’s full-fibre network

Jersey’s full-fibre network has earned the Island a place on the shortlist of the 21st annual World Communication Awards.

The successful completion of JT’s Gigabit Jersey project has been shortlisted in both the ‘Best Network Transformation Initiative’ and the ‘Broadband Pioneer’ categories of the distinguished awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in London at the end of October. The shortlisting sees JT joins some of the biggest names in the telecoms industry across the world – including BT, TalkTalk and O2. This in itself is a significant tribute to the talented and diverse team at JT that have worked to deliver this project from the beginning.

The shortlisting recognises the commitment made by JT’s teams to the island to deliver a reliable, high speed full-fibre network which would benefit the entire community. It has already paved the way for new business start-ups, contributed to the growth of Jersey’s digital sector and supported expansion of the finance industry, as well as opened the door to new ways of learning in our schools and enabled householders to embrace smart technology in their homes.

Graeme Millar, JT’s CEO, said: “A year on from the completion of this landmark project we can begin to assess the longer-term benefit that full-fibre is having for Jersey. Many of the advantages of a full-fibre network are now a reality. The network has had a truly transformative effect on Jersey’s position as a world leader in connectivity and innovation.

“The success of Jersey’s full-fibre network is down to the hard work and dedication of all those who worked on the project over the years. Together, we have created a legacy for Jersey and contributed to the current and future success of our Island economy and generations to come, which we’re all very proud of.”

Amy Bryant, Deputy CEO, Jersey Finance said: “Jersey’s ability to harness technological innovations lies not just in its community of skilled professionals but also in its world class infrastructure and digital capability. Advances in the internet of things (IoT), blockchain, fintech, cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence depend on a fast and reliable connection and JT’s full-fibre network has provided that backbone to take them forward.”

Over 550 telecom companies, representing over 35 countries, are taking part in World Communications Awards 2019 and the winners of the 25 award categories will be announced at a ceremony in the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London, on 30 October 2019.



Coding across generations

Coding across generations

Take a robotic ball, an adult, a child and a smartphone and you have the perfect recipe for an exciting coding workshop with a difference during the 2019 National Coding Week, sponsorded by JT.

This year, JT is providing FREE coding workshops for budding techno families, called ‘JT Generations Code Together’ in both Jersey and Guernsey.  These workshops are designed to bring adults and children together for a few hours to share their different skills and, in the process, learn how to programme an app-enabled robotic ball called  a Sphero BOLT.

Three exciting and interactive sessions have been specially planned with step-by-step guides for pairs of one child (aged 8 – 13 years) and one adult (no age limit) each to take part in. During the free two-hour session, which will be led by Jersey Coders Mentor Colin King, the pairs will complete a series of challenges which may include navigation, IR (infrared) communication and direct interaction between the Spheros.

Paul Taylor, Managing Director, JT (Guernsey) said: “National Coding Week always presents a great opportunity to inspire and inform, this year we wanted to use the occasion to get generations of families to partner and share skills with each other, in a fun digital learning environment. Many adults have not grown up with technology the way their children and grand-children have, so part of our intention is to unravel some of the mysteries of coding in a friendly and jargon-free environment. At JT we’re really keen to help more people to use and understand digital technology, as we have one of the best digital infrastructures in the world – which in turn benefits the whole community and encourages the digital leaders of our future.”

National Coding Week founder, Richard Rolfe, said: “It has always been our aim to encourage schools and businesses to deliver events which showcase innovation and give people an insight into how digital technology is influencing their lives and how they can use it.The JT Generations Code Together sessions are a fun way to demonstrate the latest digital capability using a fantastic learning tool which will appeal to all age groups. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank JT for their constant efforts in bringing our digital community together, this is the 5th year JT have sponsored the annual event, supporting us ince we began in 2014”.

The sessions take place from 6 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday 17 September at Digital Jersey, Thursday 19 September at the Digital Exchange in Jersey and on Monday 16 September at Digital Greenhouse in Guernsey.

Places on the JT Generations Code Together session can be applied for online at www.jtglobal.com/ncw and are limited so we encourage islanders to register their interest fast.

More information about getting involved can be found on the National Coding Week website.

Ends



Annual Golf Day

Annual golf day raises over £30,000 for Autism Jersey

Autism Jersey’s annual golf day, sponsored by JT, has once again broken its own record with £30,000 raised for the charity.

The sell-out event saw 25 teams of golfers competing at La Moye Golf Club on Friday 23 August with the overall winners being the Dandara team of Martin Clancy, Adrian Huckson, Steve Herbert and Bob Wickings. The Morris and Grange team came a close second and Bedell Cristin third.

The charity is currently fund-raising to make a new multi-million-pound facility, which will become a home for the charity and provide a range of services to people with Autism and their families, a reality. JT’s on-going support of this annual event also means the new centre will have the latest technology, ensuring visitors and carers can keep connected via state-of-the-art equipment, made possible by JT’s full-fibre network.

Nick Winsor, Chairman of Autism Jersey, said: “The amount raised on Friday is a huge boost for our long-term goal to provide a hub for our services. Each year, the popularity and success of the golf day grows, thanks in large part to the longstanding partnership with our corporate sponsor JT. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the day.”

Daragh McDermott, Corporate Affairs Director at JT and a board member of Autism Jersey, said: “Thanks to everyone who brought their game with them on Friday and congratulations to Dandara for their victory. Once again, it was a really enjoyable day for a great cause and I’m delighted that the combination of a great sporting event and well-supported auction have raised so much for this vital charity.”

DOWNLOAD THIS PRESS RELEASE