Hinds reassures Digicel of open, liberalised telecommnications sector
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds has reassured Digicel that the government wants a full, open, competitive and liberalised telephone sector. His assurance, Thursday, followed another call, for the passing of the liberalisation legislation in the telecommunications sector, by Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gregory Dean, at the inauguration of its cellular service at 58 Miles, Mabura Road, in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
Mr. Hinds said it is another significant step in the growth and development of our country, as it brings people closer to speak to their family and relatives.
“I want to thank Digicel for making such investments in Guyana since its establishment and publicly assure them that the Government of Guyana greatly appreciates their investment and all the attention they have been paying to develop the market here, not only going in areas heavily populated but their interest in extending service to hinterland locations leaving no one unserved,” the Prime Minister stated.
Digicel Guyana has, successfully, taken its cellular phone service to Matthews Ridge, Red Hill, Wakapoa, Kwebanna, Port Kaituma, Kwakwani, Santa Rosa and Ituni, among other places.
The Prime Minister, who represented the government on the occasion, commended Digicel on the location and said it is the beginning of growth and development in Guyana, in the area of cellular service for hinterland and far-fetched communities.
He said it is in the interest of the government that two utilities are open for international connections and landline services, for it will lower the costs significantly.
Hinds said that the government will persevere to have the telecommunication sector fully open as soon as possible and the introduction of Digicel’s Blackberry cellular phones made it very lively, in terms of competition on the local market.
Dean said the establishment at 58 Miles is a fulfillment of Digicel’s commitment to provide the best possible coverage for the Guyanese population.

Important link
He added that, as they expand coverage in Region Ten, the 58 Miles cellular site creates a very important link through the trail which leads to important mining and logging communities in Guyana and, ultimately, Lethem.
Dean said they are extremely proud of their achievements in Guyana since their arrival here in 2007.
He said: “We have built a state-of-the-art network, which now covers 94 percent of Guyana’s populated communities. We continue to innovate in products and services. We offer 24/7 superior customer care and we have been able to break down the barrier of access to this most important resource.”
Dean said, despite the accomplishments, they can and want to do much more.
According to him: “We believe, if we are allowed to compete freely in all segments of the communication sectors in Guyana, the consumers will be the winner. Unfortunately, Guyana continues to have a monopolised sector that we believe greatly hinders development and expansion.”
Dean said they believe the ending of the situation is long overdue and, today, it is ironic that Digicel, which is disadvantaged by this monopoly, is the only operator that continues to show a commitment to bringing services to unserved areas such as 58 Miles and the surrounding communities.
He said Digicel, once again, calls for the early ending of this monopoly through a short as possible deferral period for the passing of the legislation.
“We ask this to enable Digicel to operate on a level playing field, nothing more or less. This will allow us to fully execute or develop plans for the people of Guyana and allow customers to enjoy the latest technologies at an affordable price,” Dean stated.
He also thanked the residents of 58 Miles for welcoming them to the community and their cooperation and long partnership.
Speaking at the ceremony, as well, Village Toshao Harold Couchman told the gathering, including adults and school children, that Digicel’s arrival is of great benefit to the area in the form of communication.
He said it will keep them informed of what is taking place in current affairs and also enlighten them as to what is happening at large.
Couchman thanked Digicel and the government for their support in the development in the hinterland in which they are now only one call away from the capital.
Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo, was absent from the ceremony but sent his apologies.
Digicel also made donations of three different types of school bags to the students of 58 Miles Annexe Primary, Mabura Mission Primary and 47 Miles Mabura Primary, at 58 Miles Annexe Primary School in the presence of teachers.
The short presentation ceremony included poetry recitation and singing by schoolchildren.
There, too, were Digicel Director of Sales and Distribution, Ms. Nalini Veira and Public Relations Officer, Ms. Shonnet Moore.