Govt. signs an exemption order for small internet service providers
First Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips
Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana has signed an exemption order to ease the licensing process for small internet providers, in line with its efforts to expand the telecommunications sector.
First Minister, the Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, made this disclosure during his guest appearance on NCN’s “Budget in Focus” on Friday.
“Today I (yesterday) signed an exemption order relating to local 50-odd small internet service providers. This will prevent them having to go through a lengthy process to obtain a license. They must register and pay the necessary fees associated with the service.
These are the small providers, who will buy and sell services and go the extra mile, especially in the areas where the big companies don’t necessarily want to go. “
This would provide access to internet services to more people in communities across the country who were previously unable to connect, from a range of operators.
Zoning on hinterland telecommunications connectivity, Prime Minister Phillips said the Government was aiming to connect 200 hinterland communities in 2021. He said a significant amount of money had been allocated to make this happen.
“I tell you there was money available before we came into the job, but nothing was done. We are now using that money to ensure we deliver the ICT services to all communities. “
The First Minister noted that while much previous work has been done in some communities, complaints about inadequate service and non-operating ICT hubs remain the same.
“Almost every day … I received a letter from some community asking for help repairing or otherwise installing their ICT hub. Therefore, the NDMA [National Data Management Authority] will be very busy in 2021, making ICT connectivity a reality, ”he said.
Just two months after taking office, the Government liberalized the telecommunications sector and issued licenses to three large service operators: GTT, Digicel and E-Networks. Since then, there have been applications to change the license. Prime Minister Phillips said to accommodate the expansion of the industry, these bids have been facilitated.
“These agencies have identified the improvements they need to expand their services and we have gone through the process of ensuring that those improvements are allowed for expansion.”
The First Minister said that the Government had an open door policy for multinationals wishing to enter the local telecommunications market. He said so far; they have received Expressions of Interest from three companies. (Report modified by DPI).