THE government yesterday said it is taken aback by Digicel’s move to alter its rates on international calls subsequent to a judicial ruling recently handed down by Justice Rishi Persaud. Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon echoed Office of the President’s contention that “unilateral amendments and alteration to existing telecommunication rates based on Justice Persaud’s ruling is inconsistent with Justice Persaud’s ruling since that ruling was stayed on an appeal by GT&T.”
It was reported in the media that the telecommunications company announced up to 88 percent reduction on international calling rates following the High Court’s ruling on GT&T’s monopoly.
Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gregory Dean said, on Tuesday, that “Digicel is elated to finally provide Guyanese consumers with fair international calling rates after decades of exploitation by GT&T.”
“Digicel has been operating under a monopoly, held by GT&T, for the past five years and we are happy that customers will now be able to reap the benefits of a fully liberalised telecommunications sector.
“Reducing international callings rates is just the beginning. We have extensive plans for further growth of Guyana’s telecoms industry. Customers will soon be able to enjoy other fantastic offers on international calls,” he said.
GT&T had claimed a monopoly on international calls since 1990, forcing Digicel to route international calls through its network.