E-Networks Inc. introduces WiMax 4G Network to Guyana

Dec 08, 2010 News

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By Rabindra Rooplall and Rawle Welch

In just seven short years of existence, E-Networks Inc. has steadily progressed to become one of the leading institutions in the Information Technology Sector.
The company, which started operations in 2003, on Monday, last, introduced its WiMax 4G Network, during an impressive launching ceremony that was held at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street.
The occasion which had in attendance President Bharrat Jagdeo, who delivered the feature address, , E-Networks Incorporated’s founder and Managing Director Vishok Persaud, Chairman Rakesh Puri, Directors Keith Evelyn, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, family members, executives of the Business Community, members of the Diplomatic Corp and special invitees, heard how the company intends to revolutionise the information technology sphere through its wireless digital communication system that will provide  broadband wireless access in its initial phase covering Mon Repos to Diamond, with new market areas opening over the next few months.
Persaud, speaking at the ceremony, gave a brief history of the company describing its humble beginning and how challenging it had been for start-up operations to access financing. He said that Guyanese will now be able to attain affordable internet access, starting from as low as $1,000 that will be accompanied by flexible prepaid arrangements, while the previous system of installation crews visiting your home or office is no longer necessary, adding that through the acquisition of a modem from a wireless retailer, users could now gain access to the service within the specified coverage area.
Persaud disclosed that the company has now teamed up with Huawei of China to provide the WiMax network to Guyanese at an affordable cost.
The Board of Directors of the Company were lauded for their astute leadership which has seen steady growth over the period of existence during which time they have managed to  complete the multi-million-dollar acquisition of Broadband Inc. and Freedom Online Wireless Internet Service in March this year, providing wireless internet services to thousands of users nationwide.
It has also built a large portfolio of Small Satellite services providing internet access and voice services to miners and companies in the remote areas of Guyana.
Under the brand of Freedom Online, Broadband Inc. marketed residential internet services covering Georgetown and its environs, Berbice and Linden with expansion on the Essequibo Coast.
The company also offers Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, Mobile Data, and Global Positioning System (GPS) Vehicle tracking, and has also been providing communication services to large corporations, small businesses and more recently, residential users.
E-Networks Inc. has enjoyed the largest subscriber base being the only company offering triple play services in Guyana. Triple play is the ability to offer digital television, voice and internet access over a single physical connection.
In 2007, it launched its IPTV platform that today is Guyana’s premium choice for a variety of International Programming in Digital Picture.
“With our roots in the Wireless internet business, we were constantly testing new wireless technologies to make internet affordable and efficient for the masses.”
This service offers over 45 digital television channels and comes at a price that is affordable to the average person.
The company has managed over the years to reduce its costs to consumers, while more than tripling the channels.
This commitment of service, quality and affordable pricing to its subscribers has given E-Networks Inc the largest market share of digital multi-channel television services locally. Meanwhile, President Jagdeo in his presentation told the gathering that the vision, entrepreneurship and dedication should be celebrated at the event since the ability of a young person through hard work and transformative ideas can lead a company to transform the technology sector in Guyana.
He added that contrary to what was reported in one section of the media where it was stated that his Government plans to deregulate the telecommunication sector, the aim of Government is really to liberalise the sector.
“Government is working towards building a network similar to Huawei, for which a contract has been launched at a cost of US$35M. And as part of the contract, Huawei will be deploying the WiMax systems in all the towns in Guyana, and through a technology called e-video which will bring access to the rural areas.”
Jagdeo said that the government’s intentions are not to compete with the providers, but to be supportive and accelerate the process, which will create its own demand.
“But through the 90,000 computers that we will give out to families in Guyana, we will create a demand from which all of these companies will benefit.”
He said by early next year there will be 30,000 computers in stock, and services will be in demand. However, recently Cabinet has been asked to build a television station using satellite coverage for the internet to access the hinterland, “this will be a 24-hour learning channel that will be continuous where content – advanced English and Sciences, and the entire CXC curriculum, and quite a bit of educational, history programmes, and geography programmes – will be beamed continuously, 24 hours a day into our homes and schools across our country.”
Accounts Manager of Huawei Company in China, Bu Shi, said the company has launched one of the Caribbean’s best commercial WiMax networks in Guyana with Huawei’s world-class Wimax solution.
He disclosed the WiMax wireless broadband network (E-Networks) is able to enhance Guyanese citizens’ access to the Internet and keep up-to-date with the world.
The accounting manager said in 2009, Huawei met its business goal and recorded US$30.2 billion in contract sales, and has become the No.2 telecom supplier only after Ericsson and one of the top 500 companies in the world.
He said Huawei currently has won over 79 commercial WiMax network contracts worldwide and ranks number one in terms of newly added ones.

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