Telecoms investment puts island on world map

Multi-million investment in Guernsey’s telecoms network is now helping to attract major business to the island.

Sure, the local brand for global telecoms operator Cable & Wireless, has invested over £35 million in Guernsey since buying the local telecoms operator in 2003.

The company’s £6.5 million HUGO network, which was completed last year, provides businesses with fast, resilient, high capacity connections to Cable & Wireless’ global carrier and IP backbone networks. The company has also built several state-of-the-art data centres which provide secure housing for sensitive data.

Sure’s Marketing Director, Mark Briers said this put the island’s telecommunication links on a par with the leading business centres around the world. This was helping to attract new business to the island, and also encouraging other companies to invest in the Bailiwick.

This was reflected in the increase in business which Sure and other local technology providers have reported in recent years.

“Virgin Games is a good example of the new business being attracted to Guernsey because of the state-of-the-art facilities available here, and the world class telecommunications links with the rest of the world,” he said.

“That is helping to bring much needed diversity to the local economy, and also as a result of our investment in the island’s infrastructure we are seeing other companies willing to invest here, and helping enhance Guernsey’s reputation as a world class business centre.”