…announces slashed overseas rates come December 1
The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s (GT&T) BlackBerry service  was launched  yesterday, as scores of  customers and well wishers gathered at the new office at 55  Brickdam. And Chief executive Officer Yog Mahadeo announced cuts in international calls from the landline service.
He said, “The Public Utilities Commission (PUC)  has given the go ahead so that come December 1, all calls from landline  to the USA will be as low as under  $20 a minute, in addition to which rates to all international destinations have also been slashed,  this is just the beginning.”
Joining the GT&T family to celebrate the occasion, were President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, representatives from US-parent Company Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN), and representatives from Research In Motion Limited, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
In his address , GT&T’s Chief Executive Officer, Yog Mahadeo  acknowledged that , for him, the event has been an emotional one, taking into account the journey and experiences that led to the official launching ceremony and the impact the company is making on Guyanese.
He also used the platform to announce to the eager public the opening of the new flagship building and future plans and services, which will soon be made available.
Mahadeo acknowledged that , for  many years, GT&T  had  blazed the trail,  and in 2011, the company climbed new heights and paved a new future for themselves  and for Guyana, through their involvement in several  national activities, including  Colour Fest, 10/10 Cricket,  Fast Ball , Jan Zone, GT&T Diwlai celebrations and so much more.
He said, “There is more to come. We are not just talking about phones and profits and customer base, or the competition, we are  talking about building a company that makes dreams into reality , we are talking about a new GT&T.”
As to the extent of the services, he said, “As we make this momentous occasion a reality today, I must let you know that we have carefully planned our offers and prices to allow subscribers to stay in touch, to chat , to connect,  to socialize and to , of course, live  their professional lives .So much we have put into the service that I can say to you with pride that we are not just launching the BlackBerry service,  we are launching a service that makes a difference.”
GT&T’s BlackBerry service includes four plans — basic, standard, gold and platinum— all of which are available at affordable prices to suit the needs of customers, the CEO added.
“I know that Guyanese have been waiting for this day, I take pride in announcing that today GT&T is so glad that we are breaking the monopoly by the “red guys”. Nowhere in the Caribbean can you subscribe for a day of BlackBerry service for GY$199, for $999 a week and for $2299 for a month of service,” he disclosed.
Mahadeo also proudly announced that none of GT&T’s handsets are locked, thereby giving customers the freedom to chose their network.
Alluding to the success of the company over the last 20 years, he expressed appreciation to all customers for their unwavering support, and encouraged them to join in the new wave as the company forges ahead.
GT&T’s mobile service will also be benefitting from reduced rates, he revealed.
Four models of the GT&T Blackberry handsets will be available, including the Curve 8520, Bold 9300, Torch 9780 and the Torch 9800.