'Act now' warning over copper network switch-off

Customers have been urged to switch from copper to fibre internet networks as the final stage of a rollout project has begun.

Telecommunications firm Sure said the scheme to put Guernsey's homes and businesses onto fibre broadband was almost complete with 98% of properties now able to connect to the network.

It said the old copper system was being turned off and 79% of broadband customers - a total of 21,330 connections - had made the switch to the new network.

The company added people still on the copper network needed to "act now" and book a free fibre upgrade via its website.

Alistair Beak, Sure's chief executive, said the fibre network had brought "world class connectivity" to Guernsey.

"Almost every home and business can get fibre, and most already have," he added.

"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."

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Economic Development President, said the island had made "a huge leap forwards" with the fibre installation.

She said: "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."

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