A fifth of Guernsey’s households and businesses are still using the old copper network for their broadband with Sure warning that service will soon be switched off.
98% of homes and businesses are now able to connect to the fibre network, said the firm, but only 79% of broadband customers have done so.
By the end of this year every property will need to be connected to fibre if residents or staff want to use broadband.
As the work to upgrade the island’s network has reached its final stage – enabling the remaining 2% of properties to connect to fibre – the old copper network is now being switched off.
Sure said this means anyone still on using the copper network must move to fibre if they want to keep their broadband, landline, and lifeline services working.
The telecoms firm said 21,330 connections have already been made but that work isn’t done automatically so if you or someone you know is still using the copper network they must make arrangements for changing to fibre.
Sure has asked if friends and family members can check in with older or more vulnerable people to make sure they don’t get left behind.
Sure Group CEO Alistair Beak said a lot of work has been carried out to ensure no one is left behind, and that work will continue throughout this year.
“We’re now in the final stage of Guernsey’s fibre rollout, bringing world class connectivity to our island,” he said.
“Almost every home and business can get fibre, and most already have. The priority now is helping the remaining customers still on copper to switch without delay.
“Across the rest of the year we’re going to be getting the clear messaging out there that the switch-off has started – the time to act is now.”
What do you need to do?
- Check your service: If you’re still using copper, book a free fibre upgrade as soon as possible. Use Sure’s postcode checker to see if your property can get fibre today.
- Don’t wait for disconnection at the end of the year: Copper services are being phased out in stages – delaying risks losing broadband and landline services.
- Help others stay connected: Make sure older relatives, neighbours or anyone who may struggle with tech knows they must switch.
- Switching is simple – and support is available: Installation is straightforward, and help is on hand for anyone who needs it.
Sure said its Home Tech Team can help customers make the most of their connectivity by visiting homes and making sure they are benefiting from fibre.
The decision to switch off the copper network was made in 2021 when the States agreed to part-fund the project to bring fibre to the island.
The total sum to connect the entire island to fibre was quoted as being £37.5million with the States putting in £12.5m. Sure committed to paying the rest.
The President of the States Committee for Economic Development welcomed the progress towards the project end date.
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller said the installation of fibre is good news for everyone, as well as the economy.
“Guernsey has taken a huge leap forwards the last few years with the ongoing rollout of fibre broadband.
“We are almost at a place now where every islander has access to super-fast internet speeds, and it won’t be long before Guernsey can enjoy universal access to this world-class digital connectivity.
“We are already seeing it open doors for our economy by enabling greater productivity and innovation within the island, and we look forward to seeing this trend continue as the technology evolves further.”
