Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has delivered a scathing critique of Guyana’s major telecommunications providers, labeling their service as “atrocious” and “disgraceful” during a recent public forum. His comments, directed particularly at Digicel and One Communications (formerly GTT), reflect growing frustration among citizens and government officials over persistent connectivity issues, especially in remote and hinterland regions.
Jagdeo recounted complaints from young residents on the Essequibo Coast, including a young woman from Pomeroon who described the poor quality of service in her community. He shared his own experience, noting that after returning from Regions One and Nine, he found it nearly impossible to use his phone due to unreliable coverage. “This is a disaster, and it’s disgraceful,” Jagdeo declared, emphasizing that such poor service is unacceptable and undermines government efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand initiatives like online education.
The Vice President stressed that both Digicel and One Communications possess the necessary spectrum to serve the entire nation and warned that the government would take action to ensure they fulfill their obligations. “They have spectrum for the whole country, and they should be utilising the spectrum or lose them, because they’re very valuable – the many bands on the spectrum that they have,” he stated.
Jagdeo also criticized the impact of subpar telecom services on riverain, hinterland, and even some coastal communities, calling for stricter regulation by the Public Utilities Commission to ensure that customers receive the services they pay for. He pledged to personally follow up on the matter, promising increased government scrutiny of the sector.
In response to these ongoing challenges, the government has allowed Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, to set up operations in hinterland communities. The aim is to provide reliable internet access for critical programs such as the GOAL scholarship initiative and to support telemedicine services nationwide. Starlink’s service, now available across Guyana, is seen as a key step toward ensuring connectivity for all citizens, regardless of location.
Jagdeo’s remarks highlight the urgent need for improved telecommunications infrastructure and service quality as Guyana continues to modernize and expand digital access. The government’s push for accountability and new solutions signals a turning point in the country’s approach to closing the digital gap and supporting national development.
