Sure first to launch 5G trial in the Isle of Man
Sure will be the first telecoms operator to bring world leading 5G technology to the Isle of Man with the creation of a trial 5G mobile network.
Sure has invited hundreds of consumers and businesses in the trial locations to take part and assess 5G for free in order to evaluate how it can benefit the lives of islanders and local businesses.
The local telecoms provider, which is already recognised as having the best network in the Isle of Man according to a Q4 2017 survey by Systemics Group, started trialling the technology on 15 November, running through to 2020. The trial will take place in Douglas covering areas within and around Tromode, Woodbourne Road and the Central Business District to assess how people will use the transformational technology.
Numerous households and businesses have been contacted directly with details of the trial and those who choose to participate will be given a free 5G router for their home or business. They will be asked to provide feedback on their experience via a series of online surveys to help understand the value of 5G for consumers and businesses and to test the feasibility of providing enhanced broadband services via 5G in the island.
5G is the transformational next generation of mobile technology providing much faster data speeds, greater network capacity, improved connections, better coverage and lower latency. Sure believes that 5G’s potential is best described as ‘fibre in the air’ as 5G will look to replicate the speeds and reliability of fibre broadband without the need for cables.
The leap from today’s fixed and mobile technology is significant; 5G is 20-40 times faster than the broadband most people currently use at home and work. The additional capacity available with 5G will enable the connection of the rapidly increasing number of digital devices used in the home, on the move and at work.
“5G is the future which offers the opportunity to connect communities in ways we’ve never seen before so we’re excited to be launching this comprehensive trial to assess the different ways consumers and businesses will want to use this ground breaking technology,” said Mike Phillips, chief executive of Sure in the Isle of Man.
“At Sure customers are at the heart of everything we do. We want 5G to benefit everyone in the Isle of Man so it’s very important for us that our community can trial this latest technology and give feedback on their experience so we can develop a network that is truly impactful and beneficial to their daily lives.
“This investment firmly positions the island at the forefront of next generation mobile services which will shape the future of 5G on island and will include testing the feasibility of providing enhanced ultra-highspeed broadband services via 5G in the island.
“Our innovative 5G trial, and the raft of benefits it will bring, is closely aligned with the island’s strategic aims and many of the Isle of Man Government’s initiatives including the National Telecommunications strategy.
“We want to launch a considered, ubiquitous 5G network that is aligned with the strategy and that also addresses the island’s wider digital needs. Sure fully supports the strategy and we intend to work closely with Government, the Communications Commission and local industry to deliver new services that benefit the island via this exciting new technology which directly supports innovation in our economy in an increasingly digital future.”
Sure is continuing to invest in the Isle of Man and is extending its dedicated business fibre network and has just launched a new Cloud Voice service aimed at small and medium-sized businesses.
Deb Byron, Chair of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Digital Committee, said: “Sure’s innovative 5G trial is an important step forward in transforming telecommunications on the Island and achieving a world class infrastructure to support the business community and residents. The Chamber Digital Committee worked closely with Government on defining the Island’s Telecommunications Strategy so it’s exciting to have an early 5G trial which will enable us to develop the technology and get us closer to achieving a fully-connected island.”