Guernsey Developing Strategy to Improve Superfast Broadband Cover

The States of Guernsey (Channel Islands) have published a new Connectivity Review, which appears to be the first salvo in what could end up forming the foundation for state intervention to expand the reach of NGA superfast broadband services and improve other aspects of digital connectivity.

At present most fixed broadband connections on the island, which sits in the English Channel, are delivered by old fashioned pure copper ADSL lines (up to 8-20Mbps). However around 60% have access to superfast VDSL (FTTC) “fibre broadband” connectivity (we note that uptake of related VDSL packages is currently below 10%) and all of the local mobile operators also offer 4G.

The island’s primary operators are ‘Sure’ (the incumbent), ‘JT’ (aka – Jersey Telecom) and ‘Airtel-Vodafone’ (they only do mobile). Interestingly JT has long pledged to expand their 1Gbps FTTH/P network to parts of Guernsey, but the first non-trial residential lines were only connected last month (32 luxury apartments at One St Julian’s Avenue) and otherwise they’ve mainly focused on linking public sector sites.

The primary challenge for Guernsey is in how to ensure that almost everybody on the island can access a superfast broadband connection, which may require some degree of public funding so as to help connect the areas that private investment alone has deemed to be economically not viable. The local authority is also considering a voucher scheme to help SME businesses get a better broadband connection installed.

The related report, which was put together by Analysys Mason, concludes by proposing a number of possible options for the use of public money and we’ve summarised those below. The analyst has always tended to push a hybrid-fibre approach and this time is no different, although the ultimate decision rests with the local authority.