Guyana wants competitive telecommunications sector

Saturday, February 14, 2004

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Prime Minister of Guyana and Minister with responsibility for Communications, Samuel Hinds said that Government's programme is to work for an open, competitive telecommunications sector in Guyana.

The Prime Minister noted that Government encourages and supports competition, since this benefits industry development and the consumer and makes companies efficient. He said that while Government has no problem with any one company, it encourages good corporate business policies. 

Guyana currently has a monopoly in the telecommunication sector, with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) as the sole company. 

Hinds said that monopoly creates the environment for suspicion and the perception that a particular company is taking advantage of consumers. Additionally, monopoly creates a level of uncertainty with the price of the good or service offered and this is demonstrated in the company's performance.

Hinds noted that while Government welcomes and encourages foreign direct investments, good cooperate business policies are required. 

Currently, Cel Star plans to offer an alternative cellular service in Guyana. Trans World Telecommunications (TWT), the parent company of Cel Star, operates several telecommunications enterprises around the world, in countries in the USA, Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. 

In 2002, TWT received a license to operate in Guyana for the provision of GSM mobile system. Cel Star has already constructed 20 cell towers across the country.

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