JT Group, also known as Jersey Telecom, has kicked off its 5G network rollout in Guernsey, in the Channel Islands.

The first two 5G sites have gone live in and around St Peter Port, bringing 5G connectivity to the island, which has a population of around 66,000.

The rollout is part of JT Group's investment to upgrade its network infrastructure across the Channel Islands, which is in the English Channel, located off the northwest coast of France.

The initial rollout kicks off a phased deployment program, noted JT Group, which said it will extend coverage across the Bailiwick of Guernsey over the next four months.

JT Group previously launched its 5G network in Jersey last year with Ericsson.

Ericsson has also supported the carrier's rollout in Guernsey, with the network set to be deployed as a fully end-to-end combo 4G, 5G Non-Standalone (5G NSA) and 5G Standalone (5G SA) network. JT and Ericsson signed an £80 million ($107m) investment plan for the rollout of 5G across the Channel Islands back in 2023.

“Today marks an exciting moment as we begin bringing 5G to Guernsey. This is a significant step forward to enhance the island’s digital infrastructure and one that will unlock new opportunities for both consumers and businesses," said Alessandro Bovone, chief technology officer of JT Group.

“While the process has taken longer than anticipated due to regulatory approvals, we are pleased to now be moving at pace and to be the first operator to deliver 5G services in Guernsey."

Last month, JT Group, along with CVC Capital's infrastructure arm, CVC DIF, finalized the acquisition of Isle of Man telco Manx Telecom Group.

JT was founded in 1888 and is owned by the island's government.