New era for islands’ connectivity starts as Sure completes Airtel acquisition

Sure has completed its acquisition of Airtel Vodafone, beginning a transformational era for Channel Islanders’ connectivity and signalling an investment of £48m in building a new world-class 5G mobile network.

Customers will benefit from faster speeds and greater coverage – creating an amazing digital experience. The new mobile network will also exceed the latest security standards, putting Guernsey and Jersey ahead of the UK, and benefit the environment as it will require a third fewer masts to run.

Sure Group CEO Alistair Beak celebrated the news: “Today is an exciting day for the future of Channel Island telecommunications.

“We want existing and new customers to know that the large investment we’re making will lead to significant improvements to their connectivity, speeds and coverage, as well as value for money through innovative products and services. The new mobile network, complemented by our extensive fibre network, will mean we can stay ahead of future demand driven by our increasingly digital lifestyles.”

Mr Beak added: “We welcome the Airtel Vodafone team to Sure and look forward to working together and leveraging their skills and experience to provide our customers with exceptional service and delivering on our purpose to connect our island communities for a better future.”

Sure has made a number of commitments as part of the acquisition, including enabling Airtel Vodafone customers to continue on their existing plans for up to three years.

Initially there will be no immediate change for either Airtel Vodafone or Sure customers as the two companies will continue to operate separately.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Sure and Airtel Vodafone websites provide extra information. Customers can also visit both operators’ stores or call the customer service numbers.

The acquisition of Airtel Vodafone was completed on Thursday 31 October 2024.

More information is available at https://www.sure.com/airtel/