Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 15, 2009 News
Although handicapped by the lack of an international licence, the performance of the Digicel brand in Guyana over the past two years has propelled it into the capacity of being the leading cellular brand on the market.
At least this was the disclosure of Digicel Guyana Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean, during a press conference held at the Georgetown Club yesterday.
The forum, which was intended to reflect on the performance of the entity even as it prepares to celebrate its second anniversary today, saw media operatives questioning the top executive about the cell company’s achievements and plans for the future.
According to Dean, Digicel Guyana, over the two-year span, has already been able to make a profit, which has been limited due to the fact that the entity only has a domestic licence.
“We are not maximising our profits in any way, shape or form because, even if you look at the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph quarterly statements, over 80 per cent (of their profit) is from international calls. We don’t have an international licence, so we have a serious handicap,” Dean lamented.
However, he pointed out that Digicel does not expect to recover overnight the US$60M which has been utilised to roll out its full network. He added that the cell company’s commitment to Guyana is in fact a long term one.
He noted that there have been some disappointments with liberalisation and things such as the SMS interconnection, among other areas, that have also impacted the company’s performance to some extent.
Nonetheless, he noted, the company has done well with regards to the service offered to customers and the internal development of its staffers.
“We know we need to be here a long time to add value to that investment. We have a long-term commitment to Guyana, and we think most things have been on track for us, and we are quite happy.
“The key thing that you are looking for when you enter the market is to become the market leader, and I think that the fact that we have achieved that status tells you that we are quite happy.”
According to Dean, based on conservative estimates, Digicel Guyana has over 250,000 customers, even as he noted that the company will be boosting its service by offering a strict value-for-money service.
He disclosed that, over the few years, Digicel has been able to offer its customers a variety of new products, and has provided cellular service to remote areas.
This year, the company will endeavour to focus on other services it could avail to its customers.
According to Dean, as the cell company unfolds another year of existence in Guyana, customers can prepare themselves for a number of new services and products intended to enhance their mobile experience.
It was revealed that, as early as in the next few weeks, customers might be able to start embracing the enhanced services.
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
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