VoIP services in Channel Islands set to profit from broadband roll out

VoIP services in the Channels Islands could be set to improve following the roll out of a new fibre-optic broadband network.

The Jersey Telecoms network is set to be upgraded to offer 25 per cent of its customers the chance to access download speeds of up to 20Mbps by December, more than double the current available rate.

The remaining customers will then be able to access faster speeds over the next two years following the completion of the £11 million project in 2012.

Residents in Guernsey will also be able to benefit from faster internet speeds as Wave Telecoms, owned by Jersey Telecoms, also deploys a new fibre-optic network.

VoIP services on both islands could improve following the roll out as faster download speeds can boost the quality of VoIP calls.

Graeme Millar, chief executive of the Jersey Telecom Group, said: "By 2012 more than half of local households will be able to achieve between 15Mbps and 20Mbps speeds.

"In terms of core network technology, our ongoing investment will put the Jersey between ten and fifteen years ahead of the UK by 2012."