Absolute need to say goodbye to telephone monopoly– Digicel CEO

Jul 10, 2018 News

At a time when technology experts are in Guyana to demonstrate the use of 21st century techniques, the existing telephone monopoly was highlighted as a limitation to development.

Chief Executive Officer of Digicel, Gregory Dean

Speaking at yesterday’s opening ceremony of the six-day Caribbean Information Communications and Technology (ICT) conference and roadshow, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel, Gregory Dean, noted the importance of ending the telephone monopoly.
“When we talk about boundaries, the reality is that we absolutely need to say goodbye to the telephone monopoly and the limitations it places on the ICT sector and the country,” Dean told participants at the newly refurbished Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal.
Talks continue to drag on between the Government and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), the US-owned entity that has a monopoly on landlines and international calls.
Kaieteur News was informed that GTT wants to secure a spectrum deal before the talks conclude. Up to last month, Government was awaiting an official proposal from the telephone company for consideration.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes has assured that the telecoms sector will be liberalized by the end of this year, although similar promises were made before.
Digicel’s CEO, Dean, stated that there is a lot of catching up to do in less time than is imagined.
“Only a fully competitive sector with a level playing field for all will allow all the stakeholders access to the latest technologies at competitive prices with the benefit of choice to obtain the service quality desired,” Dean said.
He stated that Digicel supports all traditional industries such as agriculture and mining, but recognises that there is a great and urgent need for partnerships as Guyanese position themselves to ensure that they reap the rewards from the oil and gas industry.
He assured that Digicel is working in partnerships with governments to make the world and the 21st century government a reality.
“By taking you through the examples of 21st century Government in action, we hope to start imagining with you the kind of projects that can be rolled out here in Guyana.
There are projects that ensure people in the remotest regions of the country have access to the same tools and innovations as those in the towns and cities, so together we can create a society where no one gets left behind. That is the beauty of 21st century government,” Dean noted.

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