Jersey to get millions of free Wi-Fi hotspots

Friday 28 March 2014

Telecoms provider JT has joined forces with the world’s largest provider of free Wi-Fi networks, to significantly improve reception for its broadband customers.

JT will be working with Fon, both in Jersey and worldwide through more than 12 million network hotspots across the world. The new system involves customers sharing a small portion of the bandwidth from their home router, so that others that are on the Fon network can use it free of charge when they are in range.

The free system is already working successfully across the world, with around 12.6 million hotspots in countries like the UK – including half a million in London  - France, Poland, Portugal and Madeira, where Fon has signed similar exclusive partnership agreements with operators such as BT, Deutsche Telekom, SFR and KPN.

Barna Kutvolgyi, Managing Director for JT’s Global Consumer Unit said:  “I’m delighted to be able to announce this partnership with Fon today, as it will dramatically increase the availability of free Wi-Fi to JT customers, both at home, and when they are roaming, which should really help to bring costs down for travellers.”

Alex Puregger, CEO for Fon said: "We're really happy about this new partnership. Jersey is a beautiful island and as a popular travel destination, we see lots of benefits for both our members and JT's when abroad. Fon is looking forward to establishing itself in such a great place!”

Customers who share a small portion of their home service can then also use the shared services of others, meaning they have access to free Wi-Fi signals right across the island – effectively taking their home service with them, when they go out!  And abroad.

The Fon technology will be available to all JT Broadband customers on the new fibre-optic network; currently, around 29% of JT’s Broadband customers have been switched to the new fibre network, with that number increasing every month and the project due for completion in 2016.