Region 8 telecommunications crisis GTT and Digicel fail rural Guyanese

Feb 28, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my deep concern and frustration regarding the lack of essential telecommunication services provided by GTT and Digicel in Region 8, Potaro-Siparuni. It is appalling that in this day and age, residents of Region 8 are still deprived of reliable communication infrastructure, which is essential for both personal and economic development.

During a recent investigative journey to Region 8 with a team of forensic and data journalists to cover a documentary, we uncovered that private citizens were offering internet services at an exorbitant cost of $1,000.00 an hour. Such pricing is utterly unreasonable and places an undue financial burden on the residents of Region 8.

The inadequacy of telecommunication services in Region 8 has far-reaching consequences. Residents are unable to make important calls in case of emergencies, hindering their ability to access medical assistance or report critical incidents. Furthermore, businesses in the region suffer immensely due to unreliable internet and phone connections, impacting their productivity and competitiveness in the market. Both GTT and Digicel have failed to fulfill their obligations to provide adequate services to all citizens of Guyana, regardless of their geographic location. Despite being major telecommunications companies, they have neglected the needs of rural communities like those in Region 8, prioritizing profits over social responsibility.

Moreover, the lack of competition in the telecommunications sector exacerbates the problem. With only two major players dominating the market, there is little incentive for either company to improve their services or invest in infrastructure development in underserved areas.

It is high time for the relevant authorities to hold GTT and Digicel accountable for their failure to provide essential services to all Guyanese citizens. The government must intervene and implement measures to ensure equitable access to telecommunications services across the country. This could include imposing penalties for companies that neglect rural areas or incentivizing investment in infrastructure through subsidies or tax breaks.

Furthermore, there should be greater transparency and accountability in the operations of telecommunications companies, with regular audits to assess their performance in meeting service obligations. In conclusion, the situation regarding telecommunications services in Region 8 is unacceptable, and urgent action is needed to rectify it. GTT and Digicel must be held accountable for their negligence, and measures should be implemented to ensure that all Guyanese citizens have access to reliable and affordable telecommunication services, regardless of their location.

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