DIRECTOR of Digicel, P.J Mara; Chief Executive Officer, Digicel Guyana Inc., Gregory Dean; and Group Projects Director, Lisa Lewis yesterday called on President Donald Ramotar at his office. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Mara said that the meeting was basically to keep the Head of State informed about the company’s plans and to garner his views with regard to the company’s overall performance in Guyana.
“We are broadening our whole range of services into a fully-fledged telecommunications business; moving away from being just a single play mobile phone business …becoming more heavily involved in ICT,” the Director said.
He added that the company is looking forward to meeting with more officials to develop new services for the Guyanese community.
Meanwhile, Dean said that all the parties have expressed an interest in breaking the monopoly and added that his company is hopeful that the Telecommunications Bill, which paves the way for a more liberalised sector, will be passed in the 10th Parliament.
“It is necessary for all the players in the market that we have a level playing field, so that we can all compete evenly; and it will bring a lot of benefits for the Guyanese consumer in terms of the products and services, as well as the price…even with the limited competition we have had so far, we have seen over 50 percent reduction in prices, access has improved, and quality has not suffered; so for us, we think in a liberalised field, we can have the same quality, new products and at a lower price,” Dean said.
The Telecommunications Bill, which was presented to the National Assembly on August 4, 2011, seeks to provide a coordinated, open, and competitive telecommunications sector, breaking the monopoly held by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company.
It also provides for the establishment of the Telecommunications Agency, which will consist of a Director, who will also be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a Deputy Director, and Heads of Division, as may be designated by the minister.
Once passed, this piece of legislation is expected to result in greater choice, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers.
Digicel Guyana yesterday celebrated its fifth anniversary in Guyana.