PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has affirmed that over the last five years, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has worked tirelessly to eliminate digital disparities and unequal access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) across Guyana.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during the launch of Guyana’s first Internet Exchange Point (IXP), noting that significant strides have been made toward achieving the Government’s digital development goals.
“We have not only delivered on this promise but also exceeded it.” Prime Minister Phillips stated, reflecting on the progress made since the PPP/C’s return to office in 2020.

Giving details on some of the strides made, he stated that it was within the government’s first 100 days in office that the new Telecommunications Act was brought into operation, thus bringing the liberalisation of the communications sector.

He added that this was a transformative move that prompted, among other things, increased investment in Guyana’s digital infrastructure.
Today, three companies operate fibre optic networks, providing broadband access nationwide. The Prime Minister highlighted that bandwidth costs have dropped to one-tenth of their 2020 levels.

Further to this, he indicated that 90 per cent of hinterland communities now have access to high-speed internet services with over 139 fully functional ICT hubs and a further 1,100 ‘WiFiGY’ locations across Guyana.
Additionally, 90% of all nursery, primary, secondary, tertiary and technical/vocational institutions have internet access, with plans in place to connect the remaining institutions soon.

Also, connectivity has also been extended to approximately 370 government institutions, including hospitals, health centres, police stations, and fire stations.
Prime Minister Phillips added that the ‘Safe City’ Programme has since been expanded into a Safe Country Programme, enhancing national security through digital infrastructure.

He added that priority has been placed on the digital skills development here to ensure Guyanese benefit from the advancements being made in the sector.
“We have prioritised digital skills development, partnering with international agencies and businesses to ensure that Guyanese are equipped to use and benefit from these ICT initiatives,” he said.

PM Phillips went on to note that there are now more than 60 online government services, even as the ICT service sector continues to grow with new businesses being established almost daily.
Advancements in the ICT sector are expected to continue with targeted investments.