Digicel Gets Guyana GSM License

The Pan Caribbean GSM network operator, Digicel Group says that it is to receive a license from the Government of Guyana to operate a GSM network in the country. The issuance of the license will be subject to the public consultation process required under the Guyana Telecommunications Act 1990.

"The telecommunications industry has become increasingly important to Guyana now and for the future," said President of Guyana, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo. "Digicel not only has an outstanding track record, but the company is a recognized telecommunications leader in the Caribbean. We are excited about Digicel's entry into Guyana and certainly looking forward to reaping the benefits of its customer-centric focus and innovative mobile telecommunications."

Building on its continued mission to establish a seamless pan-Caribbean network and help bridge the technology divide from one nation to another, the new license will extend Digicel's reach to 21 markets across the region and comes in the wake of its launch in neighbouring French Guiana in June 2006.

Digicel Guyana's operation will be headed by Tim Bahrani, a senior executive who has more than eleven years experience in mobile telecommunications management. Prior to joining Digicel, he previously held senior management positions at Celtel, Africa's leading mobile operator and Millicom International in Asia.

Guyana's culture is very similar to that of the English-speaking Caribbean. It is so similar that Guyana is included and accepted as a Caribbean Nation and is a member of the Caribbean Community Caricom economic bloc. Only its geographical location differentiates it from the rest of the English speaking Caribbean countries.

The Mobile World subscriber database reports that Guyana currently has two operators Cel*Star Guyana and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph. Between them, they have an estimates 284,000 subscribers, giving a market penetration rate of 37%."

Posted to the site on 16th August 2006