In response to recent service disruptions affecting mobile customers in Guyana, Prime Minister Mark Phillips convened an urgent meeting with top officials from One Communications Guyana on Monday, February 17, 2025. The meeting aimed to address the technical issues that led to the disruption and discuss measures to prevent future occurrences.

The Disruption

One Communications Guyana, formerly known as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), experienced unexpected challenges during a planned technical upgrade and critical system maintenance. These procedures, intended to improve long-term service quality, resulted in unforeseen disruptions to mobile services for some customers.

Meeting Details

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of One Communications Guyana, Richard Stanton, led the company’s delegation at the meeting. He provided a comprehensive briefing on the technical issues encountered:

• The disruption stemmed from a planned upgrade aimed at enhancing service quality
• The maintenance procedures were intended to be seamless
• Unexpected challenges arose during the process, leading to service interruptions

Stanton assured the Prime Minister that the company’s technical teams were immediately mobilized to resolve the issues once they were identified.

Government’s Response

Prime Minister Phillips, who oversees the telecommunications sector, acknowledged the necessity of periodic system upgrades but emphasized several key points:

• Technical challenges must be addressed swiftly to minimize service disruptions
• Reliable telecommunications infrastructure is fundamental to citizens’ welfare
• The government expects proactive measures to prevent future incidents

The Prime Minister was joined by acting Director of the Telecommunications Agency, Chinsammy Christmah, and Yolanda Lamott, responsible for technical analysis, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.

Consumer Recourse

In light of the disruptions, the Prime Minister’s Office informed the public, particularly those affected by the service issues, that they can submit formal complaints to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). This step ensures that consumer concerns are properly addressed and documented.

Looking Ahead

The meeting between the government and One Communications Guyana highlights the critical nature of telecommunications infrastructure in the country’s development. As Guyana continues to grow and modernize, the reliability of communication services remains a top priority for both the government and service providers.

Moving forward, it is expected that One Communications Guyana will implement more robust measures to prevent similar disruptions and improve communication with customers during any necessary maintenance or upgrades.

This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between technological advancement and service reliability in the telecommunications sector. As Guyana progresses, the collaboration between the government and service providers will be crucial in ensuring stable and efficient communication services for all citizens.