Multimillion-pound boost for islands' 5G networks

Sure by Beyon said it would invest £48m into 5G networks in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

A telecommunications network has announced £48m to build an "advanced mobile network".

Sure by Beyon said it would spend £100m across the Channel Islands and Isle of Man over the next five years to develop communication infrastructure.

The company, formerly known as Sure, said nearly half of the money would go towards delivering 100% 5G coverage.

It said communications technology firm Ericsson had been chosen as a strategic partner to help deliver the network upgrades and 5G coverage.

Sure chief executive Alistair Beak said having Ericsson's expertise would help "accelerate [the] delivery of a future-ready network".

"We said we would deliver a new £48m mobile network quickly - one that brings 5G, faster speeds and better coverage - and we are sticking to that promise," he said

"We are excited to announce Ericsson as our partner, and we are making good progress so that we can launch new services in 2026."

'Welcome vote of confidence'

Committee for Economic Development President Sasha Kazantseva-Miller said the investment was a welcome boost for islanders and would help futureproof Guernsey's economy and "strengthen the fabric of our community".

"This is about empowering people, businesses, and public services with the connectivity needed to unlock innovation, support education, and enable the AI-driven technologies that will shape a smarter, more inclusive future," she said.

Sure is also opening a new store on the corner of Castle Street and Charing Cross in St Helier.

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Jersey's Sustainable Economic Development Minister, said the new store was a "welcome vote of confidence" in the island.

"Hearing about Sure's ambitious plans reinforces that Jersey remains a centre for investment and innovation, and Sure's commitment is to be celebrated," he added.