Digicel praises government’s move to liberalise telecommunication industry

Digicel (Guyana) on Saturday welcomed government’s move to create a liberalised telecommunications industry stating that customers will benefit from “significantly reduced” international calls and greater services.

In a release to the media, the company said brining “an end to the outdated monopoly regime for international calls in Guyana” is a step in the right direction.

According to the company, Guyana is one of the last Caribbean countries without competition in the international calling market and as a result Guyanese “are forced to suffer sky high prices for international calls and no choice.” Guyana, according to the release, has one of the highest calling rates in the region, and Digicel (Guyana) believes that government must do all in its mandate to ensure that the “outdated” monopoly comes to an end.

“Digicel (Guyana) is therefore calling on the government of Guyana to ensure that this outdated monopoly on international calls is removed without further delay as part of the package of telecoms reforms currently before Parliament for passage into law. Digicel strongly supports this initiative, which is undoubtedly in the best interests of the people of Guyana and the economy as a whole. The sooner this process is completed, the better,” the release added.

Digicel (Guyana) over the years has been pressing strongly for an end to the monopoly held by GT&T on international calling since it was launched in 2007.

“Digicel has committed to offering significantly reduced international calling rates, continued roll out of services to unserved areas and further investments in new products and services to Guyanese consumers as soon as this monopoly is removed.” Additionally, the company stated that full liberalisation has proven without doubt that huge benefits are accrued to both consumers and the economy.

“Digicel’s interest in removing the international monopoly is all about bringing Guyana into a new era of modern, liberalised telecommunications where Guyanese consumers are the real winners.”

The company’s Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean said, “Digicel must be able to offer real choice, competitive services and products to the people of Guyana and be allowed to compete on a level playing field. Our intention, once competition is introduced, is to offer rates that are significantly lower than what they are today, renewed focus on remote communities and also provision of newer technologies and services. The focus of the government’s reform agenda must be the prompt removal of the international monopoly and this must happen without much further delay.”

Digicel entered the local market in November 2006 through the acquisition of U-Mobile and was officially launched here on February 14, 2007.

The new Telecommunications Bill which has been sent to a Special Select Committee of the National Assembly on August 11 is aimed at creating a competitive environment for telecommunications as well as greater choice, better quality of service and lower prices for customers. It is also expected that with the enactment of such legislation, the country’s national, regional, social and economic development would be advanced.

The bill, once passed, would allow for the expansion of the telecommunications networks and services to unserved and underserved areas through the institution of a new universal access and services programme.