Game-changing tech
As JT and Ericsson partner to build next generation mobile networks, Daragh McDermott, CEO of JT Group, tells Amanda Eulenkamp what it means for the islands and for the future
THE recent signing of the contract between JT Group and Ericsson to install the next generation networks that will provide mobile and fixed line services has set JT’s network strategy in place for decades. The contract includes mobile network modernisation and upgrades to JT’s CORE, Radio Access Network (RAN) and Managed Services networks.
The agreement comes after a thorough and robust process to identify a suitable supplier with the appropriate levels of security and technology, as well as a proven track record for partnering with operators, with Ericsson coming top of the list.
‘Ericsson are technology game changers,’ said Daragh. ‘We’re delighted to be working with such a well-known and respected company. Communications technology never stands still, and we need to stay ahead of the game - this programme will provide the transformation and leap in technology now required to meet the future demands of Channel Island businesses and consumers.’
The investment, which is being fully funded by JT, keeps pace with the rapidly changing world of communications technology, giving customers across the Channel Islands access to the services and products of the future. Communicating is so easy these days, but doing it well needs constant focus, investment and adjustment.
The project will begin this year and includes Ericsson’s future-proof and scalable Mobile Transport solutions, data-driven Network Management Services and the latest energy efficient products and
technologies as part of a sustainable network evolution. As well as offering improved speeds and security, the network modernisation will bring improvements to voice quality on mobile calls, more bandwidth for mobile users and improved coverage. The program will enable future 5G and technology ambitions in the Channel Islands to be met.
‘Our customers in the Channel Islands have always been early adopters of new tech and while 4G has been with us for a long time, it’s time to build our 5G network - which believe will revolutionise our lives,’ said Daragh. However, while 5G licenses have been issued in Jersey and JT is ready to begin the roll out as part of the overall network transformation project, the situation is not the same in Guernsey, where currently no 5G licenses have been issued. Daragh’s expectation is that this will happen sometime in 2024 and that, when it does, JT will be able to switch on that element of the Guernsey infrastructure.
‘Guernsey went down a path of considering whether to invest in fibre and instead just have 5G. JT’s view was that you need to have a robust fibre network, and the jurisdictions that have really good fibre networks are in a good position with their mobile infrastructure as well.
‘We essentially run a Channel Island network, and that will ensure that Guernsey gets the very best out of the mobile services that we provide.’
JT and AI
Some of the tools that JT is starting to use are changing aspects of how the company engages with customers, for example, to answer queries.
But one of the most exciting uses of Artificial Intelligence comes through the partnership with Ericsson.
‘It’s what’s known as an autonomous network,’ said Daragh. ‘It’s effectively the self-identification and the self-healing of issues before they manifest themselves.
A lot of that functionality and capability is already built in but because this is a managed service that Ericsson is providing, these are updated regularly to ensure that we’re always at the cutting edge of the latest technology.’
‘Technology is going to become more important in all industries. I don’t think we’ve taken full advantage yet. It’s where the functionality and capability of the networks comes in, enabling that technological evolution in other industries, which has the potential to create more jobs.
The future
Daragh explained that the new partnership will bring cost advantages, reduce energy consumption and help service providers to handle future data growth. ‘It will drive future revenues across all categories of users, from consumers to enterprises,’ he said.
New technology includes network slicing*, which means that JT can be far more flexible, and the quality of service and experience of the end user will improve.
‘For example, during the King’s coronation, Ericsson provided a network slice which could be carried with superior connectivity. At the same time, consumers were on their own mobile phones, sending messages, videos and photos to their friends and family all around the world, which is something that you haven’t been able to do before.
‘And that rolls on to connected transport, connected power, banking infrastructure, simply because of the superior performance of this latest Ericsson network.
‘Where you have superior conductivity, then you can make magic happen in various industries. Our job at JT is to make sure that superior conductivity is there.’
*According to Ericsson’s website, network slicing is the operators’ best answer on how to build and manage a network that meets and exceeds the emerging requirements from a wide range of users. The way to achieve a sliced network is to transform it into a set of logical networks on top of a shared infrastructure. Each logical network is designed to serve a defined business purpose and comprises of all the required network resources, configured and connected end-to-end.
‘By combining world-class expertise and next generation technology, we open up a wealth of new possibilities in communication. Like Ericsson, we have for over a century been connecting people, evolving and learning all the time, keeping our customers, their needs and how we deliver them at the forefront of everything we do. This is an exciting prospect for our islands, it is almost impossible to comprehend the breadth of capabilities it will bring, long into the future.’
Meriel Lenfestey, chair, JT Group
‘Ericsson and JT share the same passion and vision for nextgeneration connectivity to create new possibilities for people, businesses and society. We are excited to be building the network of the future for the Channel Islands; this will deliver leading connectivity and create a platform of innovation that will power new consumer and enterprise services, advance the digitalization of industries and boost future economic growth.’
‘Digital infrastructure plays an incredibly important role in our society, with communication technologies helping to address social, environmental, and economic challenges all across the world. Not only do we want islanders to have the most reliable and fastest internet possible, but we also want them to be able to access the services that new technology can provide. This investment in the next generation network by JT will do just that.’
Kirsten Morel, Deputy Chief Minister of Jersey and minister for economic development.