[15th April 2025, Farnborough]

Showcasing secure, reliable, and rapidly deployable communications for mission-critical environments

JET Connectivity, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and leading industry collaborators, hosted a pivotal open day on March 5th, 2025, at its Farnborough offices. The event highlighted the transformative potential of secure, resilient, and rapidly deployable expeditionary 5G networks for defence operations.

The event convened senior leaders from across the defence community, including Col Oli Bartels of Defence Medical Services (DMS), Tom Simonds of Defence Digital, Tech & Futures, and Mivy James, Chief Technology Officer of MoD. Alongside esteemed defence professionals and subject matter experts, they explored JET Connectivity’s latest 5G advancements and their role in enhancing mission-critical operations

Live demonstrations illustrated how JET’s solutions deliver improved situational awareness, support connected systems, and provide real-time operational insights, even in the most demanding environments. This included hosting ATAK servers at the edge and across a meshed Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) network, and real-time spectrum swapping. Discussions throughout the day underscored the importance of UK-sovereign communications solutions, offering secure, adaptable, and scalable networks to meet the evolving needs of defence.   

James Thomas, CEO of JET Connectivity, said: “At JET Connectivity, we are committed to delivering secure, resilient, and rapidly deployable connectivity solutions that meet the evolving demands of defence operations. This event has reinforced the critical role that UK SMEs play in shaping the future of sovereign communications. By harnessing homegrown innovation, we can ensure that our armed forces have access to scalable and secure 5G networks that enhance operational effectiveness, protect mission-critical data, and provide the agility required for modern defence scenarios. Collaboration across the UK supply chain is essential to maintaining technological advantage, and we are proud to be driving that forward.”

Mivy James, CTO of MoD commented: “Seeing this technology up close and meeting the UK SMEs, like JET, bringing it to life was incredibly worthwhile. The opportunities for 5G in deployed operations are vast, and the focus on enabling secure communications at different classifications is particularly powerful. It’s great to witness collaboration in action – bringing together industry expertise to develop agile, secure networks that can make a real impact on the ground.”

David Neil, CEO of Attocore remarked: “As a UK SME at the forefront of 5G innovation, we are proud to contribute to the defence sector by delivering agile, scalable, and secure core network solutions. Our technology enables rapidly deployable mission-critical connectivity, harnessing the power of 5G to enhance operational effectiveness in dynamic and challenging environments. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving technological advancements that support national security and defence innovation.”

Bethan Evans, COO of Excelerate noted: “At Excelerate, we are proud to be part of the UK-sovereign supply chain offering 5G solutions to the forefront of defence operations. The technology demonstrated at the event underscores our commitment to advancing secure, scalable, and resilient networks and situational awareness that will support the evolving needs of defence and public safety. Discussions with those at the event has further solidified our belief that innovation, when coupled with collaboration, can drive tangible results in mission-critical environments.”

We extend our gratitude to Cyber1st, Attocore, Slipstream Engineering Design, and Excelerate for their invaluable contributions. Their expertise reinforces the strength of a UK-sovereign supply chain, ensuring that critical defence and public safety communications remain secure, resilient, and rooted in homegrown innovation.

This event represents a significant milestone in advancing defence communications, with 5G emerging as a key enabler of smarter, safer, and more connected military operations.

For more information on JET Connectivity’s 5G solutions, visit www.jet-eng.com.

[06 March 2025, Barcelona]

 

JET Connectivity and Attocore Partner to Deliver Integrated 5G Solutions for Public Safety, Defence and Related Sectors.

 

JET Connectivity and Attocore are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to develop and market an integrated 5G solution tailored for public safety, defence, and other mission-critical sectors. incorporating Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) technology to enhance network flexibility and extend coverage in hard-to-reach locations. This collaboration brings together JET’s advanced 5G RAN software and hardware with Attocore’s highly flexible and secure 5G core software, delivering high-performance, scalable, and reliable connectivity solution.

 

Bridging to Connectivity Gap for Critical Operations

 

With the increasing demand for secure, resilient, and flexible communications, this partnership aims to provide a robust 5G ecosystem that supports mission-critical operations where traditional networks may be limited. The joint solution will enable seamless, high-speed, and low-latency connectivity where traditional networks may be limited or compromised. Ensuring public safety agencies, defence organisations, and other key sectors can operate effectively in any environment.

 

A Unified Approach to 5G Innovation

 

This partnership establishes a joint project management team, ensuring seamless collaboration across technical integration, strategic planning, and market execution. JET Connectivity will oversee 5G RAN performance testing and industry engagement, while Attocore will lead 5G core integration and validation, ensuring the solution meets the unique requirements of mission-critical applications.

 

“High-performance connectivity is essential for the UK’s public safety, defence, and mission-critical sectors. By integrating JET Connectivity’s agile 5G RAN solutions with Attocore’s secure, UK-developed core, this partnership delivers a fully sovereign, scalable, and resilient 5G ecosystem. Together, we’re enabling rapid deployment, extended coverage, and secure operations – ensuring critical teams stay connected wherever they’re needed most”, said James Thomas, CEO, JET Connectivity.

 

“This synergy between JET Connectivity’s ultra-mobile 5G pop-up networks and Attocore’s lightweight, software-defined 5G core makes this partnership and logical fit. Through this collaboration we can show this powerful combination enables rapid, flexible deployments for the telecommunications industry across a range of different use-cases. This partnership delivers the agility and speed out customers need to meet the evolving demands of connectivity,” said Dominic O’Reirdan, Head of Network Operations, JET Connectivity.

 

“Mission-critical connectivity requires a combination of security, flexibility, and performance. Together with JET Connectivity, we are delivering a fully sovereign, scalable 5G solution that empowers public safety and defence operations to operate with confidence in any scenario,” said David Neil, CEO & Founder, Attocore.

 

This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing 5G connectivity for high-security and mission-critical environments, ensuring enhances reliability, interoperability, and scalability for public safety, defence, and beyond.

 

[10 October 2024, UK]

 

A huge milestone was achieved at the Hartpury Digital Innovation Farm, with JET Connectivity officially delivering our flagship 5G Mobile Demo Unit, named ‘Aurora’.

With this breakthrough, we’re pushing the boundaries of rural connectivity to drive innovation in farming across the UK. From animal monitoring to crop sensing, this demo unit will showcase how cutting-edge tech can revolutionise the agri-sector, and beyond.

Our easily-deployable, innovative 5G solutions have the ability to enhance connectivity and efficiency, whether on land or at sea. 

 

[22 July 2024, UK]

 

But who could blame us!

When your office provides front-row seats to #FIA2024 you just have to take full advantage.

 

Given how close we were to the show, we thought it was only appropriate to take a closer look.

 

But we weren’t just there for the spectacle, we had a great opportunity to meet with some of the leading figures in the industry to discuss how our robust 5G communications can take flight in the sector.

 

From providing 5G networks to aircraft for enhanced communications in ultra-remote and offshore locations, to elevating operations back on the ground across runways with our pop-up networks: the use-case opportunities were in no short supply! 

 

 

 

[15 June 2024, UK]

 

David played a crucial role in JET Connectivity’s journey, supporting our growth and visibility.

 
We are proud to announce that David Happy, our respect Independent Non-Executive Director, has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his exceptional contributions to telecommunications and technology sectors.

 

Dave played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of JET Connectivity, co-authoring a government research project that resulted in JET delivering their first floating, self-powered, 5G enabled ocean buoy. His invaluable assistance and extensive network of contacts were critical during our formative stages, contributing  year of voluntary support which significantly advanced our growth; including securing our feature on the BBC’s flagship technology program, BBC Click, inclusion in Qualcomm media coverage, and assisting in facilitating our team expansion from a single employee to our team of nearly 30.

 

James Thomas, CEO of JET, remarked, “Dave is a calm voice of reason, and never fails to bring a huge smile to the office. We are incredibly delighted to see him deservedly recognised in this way.”

 

A well-known and respected figure within the telecoms industry, Dave boasts over 36 years of expertise in the sector. His extensive experience includes significant roles at US WEST and Virgin Media, where he secured their PTO and International Facilities licences, contributed to the construction of their first Satellite Earth Station, managed a £40 million subsea cable project, and facilitated the France Telecom/Orange’s acquisition of a stake in the business.

 

Amongst his noticeable achievements are winning  a Digital Europe Award from his peers during his tenue as Vice President of Samsung Electronics in their R&D operation. In addition to winning the individual collaboration award from The Department of Digital Media and Sport (DCMS) and UK5G for his work in 2021.

 

Upon receiving his MBE, David commented, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to be recognised with this award. The UK, in my view, is one of the best places in the world to work in telecoms and technology. This recognition is not just a personal accolade, but also a testament to the vibrant and innovative spirit of the UK’s tech sector. Working in this field has been a rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking projects. JET exemplifies the dynamism and creativity of UK tech innovation, and it has been a privilege to be part of its growth and success. I look forward to contributing our work and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in telecoms and 5G technology.”

 

[16 May 2024, UK]

Tay Cities Region Deal funds pathfinder to create moving 5G search bubble

 
A team of mobile connectivity and drone specialists have demonstrated the use of flying 5G drones as a moving connectivity bubble which could transform mountain search and rescue missions.

The demonstrations, which took place near Tarfside in Angus, Scotland, brought together JET Connectivity’s pop-up 5G technology with an aerial drone to form a self-deploying 5G network.

Mountain search and rescue is traditionally reliant on teams hiking the mountains and glens or the assistance of helicopters for wider area searches. These two options are either time consuming – potentially disastrous in an emergency – or expensive.

Hillside and mountain locations also often suffer from poor phone signal, so rescue teams cannot communicate or share location or video information while working to save lives.

The challenges seen in emergency situations across the world can be revolutionised with the use of a pop-up, moving, mobile network and visual search platform.

The 5G drone network can be set up in minutes in an emergency. One or multiple drones will search a wide area, whilst streaming video and infrared footage back to the controller over the 5G network which has been created by the drones. 

JET Connectivity’s 5G base station in a box is lightweight and low power, so can be carried by the drone and either deployed remotely on the ground for fixed coverage throughout the mission or kept in flight to provide a moving bubble of connectivity.

The demonstration at Tarfside concluded a research and development pathfinder project as part of the Tay5G Project under the Tay Cities Region Deal. Funded by the Scottish Government, the project has been led by JET Connectivity, supported by DTLX who provided the drone approvals and flights, as well as Abertay University and Scotland 5G Centre.

A second demonstration is planned in June for an offshore beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone demonstration, utilising the pop-up 5G capability at sea as a floating network. This will enable increased safety and less risk to people working offshore by transforming skilled jobs to the safety of a control room with remote surveying, inspections and maintenance.  

 

[13 March 2024, UK]

 

Our state-of-the-art 5G ocean data platform boasts an anchoring system that goes beyond the ordinary. In this post, we delve into the intricacies of the mooring system we have opted for.

 

Anchoring with a Purpose:

 

One of the details that sets our unique platform apart is the innovative anchoring system, specifically designed to secure the structure to the sea bed with minimal disruption.

 

At the heart of this system are ARC Marine’s reef cubes®. ARC Marine’s ecological and sustainability values align seamlessly with JET’s own, so collaboration seemed the obvious choice.

 

This solution not only ensures the stability of our 5G platform, preventing the buoy from spinning freely, but also contributes to the preservation and enhancement of marine biodiversity along our coastlines. Employing the fewest anchors necessary to fulfil our needs, we aim to reduce our footprint on the seabed while leveraging ARC Marine’s reef cubes® to foster beneficial marine growth.

 

The Power of reef cubes®:

 

ARC marine’s reef cubes® stand out as versatile tools that extend their impact across various industries, including aquaculture, coastal defence, reef conservation, eco-engineering, and subsea protection. Here’s why they are a game-changer:

 

Scientifically Proven Biodiversity Enhancement:

 

The design and surface of reef cubes® are meticulously chosen to create an ideal substrate for

marine flora and fauna, scientifically proven to enhance marine biodiversity.

 

Carbon-Neutral Construction:

 

Thanks to their advanced construction techniques, including alkali activation, and on-site

manufacturing, reef cubes® boast a carbon-neutral footprint. Prioritizing sustainability from

production to deployment.

 

Looking Forward:

 

JET is thrilled to continue to find ways to improve our systems, working hand-in-hand with like-

minded companies like ARC Marine to continue enhancing marine biodiversity. This collaboration

represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, all while safeguarding our

beautiful coastlines and oceans.

 

The marriage of JET’s cutting-edge technology and ARC Marine’s sustainable reef cubes® is an exciting one. Through this unique combination we’re not just testing boundaries; we’re actively contributing to a healthier, more diverse marine ecosystem. Stay tuned as we explore new frontiers and innovations in the world of ocean data.

[12 October 2023, UK]

 

JET Connectivity has today announced the launch of its largest, permanently deployable, 5G ocean data platform, built to provide 5G to an offshore wind farm in a way previously not possible.

 

The 17m tall, bespoke platform enables long range 5G connectivity for a multitude of uses, in this case as an offshore wind farm-based testbed which will be used to push the boundaries of digital operations through robotics and autonomy.

 

Offshore wind farms go through years of surveying, decision making, construction and commissioning before becoming operational. For a large proportion of this time, mobile phone signal and internet are not available due to the requirement of a stable platform and fibre cables traditionally needed to run a network.

 

JET Connectivity has developed a unique solution which utilises its own, in-house designed and built 5G Radio Access Network software and systems, and floating buoy hosting platforms, to provide pop-up, solar powered, fibre-less 5G networks to offshore sites.

 

This allows for connectivity to be available to those working offshore from the start of a project through to operation – enabling safety critical communications to staff working offshore through to high bandwidth autonomy and robotics for safer and smarter operations.

 

JET has followed a strong focus since it was founded in 2020: to enable a safe and secure, sustainable, smarter global blue economy. This is now being achieved through secure, resilient connectivity, real time environmental data streaming from the buoy platforms, and digitisation of operations utilising the network.

 

In this particular deployment, JET is working with a consortium including Microsoft and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, funded by industry, the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Innovate UK, to deliver a 5G testbed – at an operational windfarm – which can be utilised by companies developing and trialling offshore technology that will require resilient, high bandwidth connectivity, such as drones and autonomous vessels.

 

James Thomas, CEO and Founder of JET Connectivity, said: “This launch of our first offshore network is testament to what hard work from an exceptional team can deliver, and I am so grateful of the effort and hours the team has put in, particularly in the final build the last few weeks.

 

“I hope we can continue to make the maritime sector safer and more environmentally sustainable as we grow our deployments in the coming years. Features such as the reef cubes built into our mooring systems are small ways we can make a positive impact on our oceans above the core services we are offering and enabling with our ocean data hubs.”

20 September 2023, UK

 

Unique 5G service provider JET Connectivity has today announced securing £1m investment to scale up its operations to deliver offshore 5G services to the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors.

 

The investment, from a combination of impact and regional funds and private investment, shows strong support for JET’s roll out of its proprietary safety critical communications to seafarers and teams working offshore.

 

As part of the plans for growth, JET will be expanding its Cornwall, UK presence with additional facilities and team members in preparation for its upcoming Celtic Sea deployments in 2024 and beyond.

 

JET will be employing maritime specialists in the South West region, with the expertise that the area has to offer being pivotal for the company’s growth in the offshore renewables, environmental, and ports and harbours sectors.

 

A focus on safety critical communications for those working offshore drives the deployment of JET’s floating 5G mobile networks, enabling the added capability for capturing and streaming ocean, marine life, and weather data utilising the same buoy platforms, which are designed and built by the JET team.

 

With two pilots in the North and Celtic Seas being deployed in the coming months, JET’s ambitions for providing cost effective, resilient 5G to our oceans for safety and security, sustainability, and smart operations is well underway.

 

In addition to its in house designed and built 5G systems, JET is also developing 5G enabled data and AI capabilities to provide additional benefits to its customers, including more cost-effective, real time vertical wind and rain profiling and AI-driven plastics and marine life identification. These systems will be hosted on the self-powered, floating ocean data hub buoys.

 

James Thomas, CEO of JET Connectivity, said: “This is an incredible moment for JET in our journey to scale up our operations and deployments for our customers. The financial and advisory support from CIOSIF, Katapult, and individual investors is instrumental to our next phase of growth and we are delighted to continue building the team with their support.”

 

Anna Staevska, Investment Manager at The FSE Group who manage CIOSIF and lead this investment round, added: “JET Connectivity was established in response to an unmet need in a niche market and the team has worked in partnership with the sector to develop an offering that is in high demand. In just three years the company has established a position as a market leader in 5G at sea, gaining a strong pipeline and early traction with both UK government and key industry players. We are delighted to be supporting this exciting business.”

 

Anthony Bellafiore, Investment Manager at ocean tech investor Katapult Ocean, said: “Katapult Ocean is excited to support JET Connectivity along its path towards providing connectivity in the open ocean. Low-cost, offshore data connectivity will be a powerful blue growth driver for ocean impact-focused businesses in fields such as offshore energy, ocean CDR, and asset monitoring in the future and we believe JET Connectivity is well-positioned to enable many of these businesses to proliferate with its solution, making the oceans healthier in the process!”

Role Description

 

We are looking for someone to join our team as Project Engineer. This role will be responsible for ensuring that all projects are delivered on time and to budget, working closely with all members of the engineering team. It will include working with customers to ensure expectations are met and leading the delivery process internally.

 

We are looking for someone with a keen and genuine interest in the maritime sector and decarbonisation. You must have a passion to develop highly reliable products, great attention to detail, and enthusiasm.

 

Required Skills and Experience

• Engineering background
• Project management, including multiple, complex projects running simultaneously
• People management to ensure smooth running of projects and ability to work collaboratively
• Customer facing experience

 

Desired Experience

• RF background

• Systems engineering background

• Range of sector experience

• Management of physical manufacturing, software, and system development projects