Sure launching 5G trial network to test the state-of-the-art mobile technology in the Isle of Man

Sure will be launching a 5G network later this year to test the state-of-the-art mobile technology in the Isle of Man.

The company is currently going through a complex tender process, involving a number of suppliers from around the world and taking into account changing security considerations, to select a partner for the new 5G network. Sure plans to announce the chosen supplier in the next few months.

“Sure is very much committed to the Isle of Man and we’re excited to be making this significant investment to develop a 5G trial network here,” said Ian Kelly, Sure’s Group CEO.

“We have the best mobile network in the island and by introducing advanced 5G technology our customers can have an even better mobile experience. This is a great opportunity for the island to be at the leading edge of mobile innovation and benefit from this technology right from the outset.

“Sure’s customer base is continuing to grow quickly in the island as customers benefit from our ongoing investments in our telecoms networks, fibre and 4G+ mobile, as well as local customer service. We’re pleased to add 5G technology to that list and although it will be a complicated process we want to ensure that the Isle of Man maximises this opportunity to develop a 5G network that works for the island.”

5G, the fifth generation of mobile network technology, will bring multi-gigabit speeds to everyone, everywhere, enabling the world to be wireless. The new technology will improve mobile experiences by increasing the number of connections that are possible and completely changing the need for traditional broadband services.

“At Sure we’re hugely excited by the transformative potential of 5G mobile technology. It will be a complete step change from the existing fixed broadband network and mobile technology we have today and, as such, we believe this technology is best explained as ‘fibre in the air’ for the Isle of Man,” said Mike Phillips, chief executive of Sure in the Isle of Man.

“Having multi-gigabit speeds available that are 20-40 times faster than what can be achieved now will be transformational for the local community and businesses.

“Sure fully supports the Department for Enterprise’s progressive and ambitious National Telecommunications Strategy and we intend to work closely with the Government to bring the most appropriate solution to the Isle of Man to support innovation in our economy in an increasingly digital future.”

Laurence Skelly, Minister for Enterprise at the Isle of Man Government, said: “The Isle of Man has a thriving digital economy and building on our success in being world leaders for 3G our national strategy for telecommunications carries a similar ambition for 5G. We welcome Sure’s commitment to the trial in 2019 and look forward to seeing real use cases in action for this game changing technology.”

Kurt Roosen, chief executive of the Manx ICT Association (MICTA), said: "Staying at the forefront of technology plays a significant part in advancing the Isle of Man’s position as a leading digital jurisdiction. We should all look forward to the advantages that Sure’s significant investment in 5G will bring to both business and individuals."

Deb Byron, chair of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce ICT & E-Business Committee, said: “The Chamber ICT Committee has worked closely with Government on defining the new Telecommunications Strategy for the Island. Sure’s 5G trial is an important and exciting step forward in transforming telecommunications on the Island and achieving a world class infrastructure to support both the business community and Island residents.”