–joins Bartica & 58 Miles in Region 7
–Digicel still only operator with ‘green cellular sites’
CONTINUING to deliver on its promise to provide state-of-the-art communication services to unserved communities, Digicel Guyana yesterday announced the launch of its service in one of Guyana’s main mining hubs – Omai, in Region 7. The launch of mobile communications coverage in Omai brings Digicel’s coverage in the populated communities of Region 7 to over seventy percent, and work is ongoing to provide additional coverage in the region within the next three months.
Digicel Guyana’s Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean, said Digicel is committed to the creation of important communication links in Guyana’s interior communities, which contribute to the overall growth and development of the country.
“We are also very pleased to be the first company to launch mobile service in Omai,” Dean stated.
He recalled that the suggestion to provide service in Omai was first made by the Honourable Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, during the launch of Digicel’s service at 58 Miles (Peter and Ruth Restaurant), on the Linden-Lethem Road, about 30 miles from Mabura, last October. A team was sent into the area to evaluate possibilities, and now residents of Omai and surrounding areas can be instantly connected for purposes of business, and also socially with family and friends,” Dean said.
Upon learning of Digicel’s launch in Omai, Prime Minister Hinds said, “I am exceedingly pleased that Digicel took up my offer, so that call service is now available in the Omai area. When the open-pit reserves at Omai were exhausted, there was a call to utilize, and to build upon, existing infrastructure that might be of service to others. I told Digicel that there was an abandoned radio mast which was available for the establishment of call service in the area. At the time, there was some activity by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and small miners, and the area showed potential as a transit point to Kaburi, 14 Miles, and Issano.”
Other communities with Digicel coverage in Region 7 include Bartica and 58 Miles.
“Our Omai site is fully solar-powered. Even as we continue to expand our network, we are also ensuring that we contribute towards the protection of the environment,” Dean concluded.
Digicel remains the first and only operator in Guyana to have constructed ‘green’ cellular sites.