Customers can switch phone providers while retaining number, from July – PM announces

…as GTT celebrates Fibre coverage in 150,000 homes

Consumers in Guyana will be able to switch service providers while maintaining their phone number from the month of July – a move which has been dubbed a gamechanger for the telecoms sector.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips made this announcement on Friday, as telecommunications giant, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) celebrated its achievement of reaching 150,000 homes with Fibre connectivity at the Marriott Hotel.

This local number portability service was made possible through efforts by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
“Guyana will welcome the highly anticipated and game changing local number portability service, allowing customers to retain their numbers regardless of their provider. So, you can change providers but you retain your number. That is a big move for us in Guyana,” the Prime Minister disclosed.
Prime Minister Phillips went on to credit the improved information and communications technology (ICT) service and infrastructure as a result of the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector.
“A liberalised telecommunications sector creates the opportunity for greater competitiveness among service providers. It ushers in the opportunity for new and improved telecommunications services coupled with lower rates and enhanced quality of services.”
To date, GTT has outlined that two-thirds of homes have access to GTT Fibre, while they have reached about 75 per cent coverage.
Speaking of the vital role the private sector plays in fostering innovation and technical developments, he emphasised the Government’s commitment to creating an environment that is favourable to the sector’s expansion.
“These initiatives, coupled with the dedication and commitment of other stakeholders to bring greater digital inclusion, will build a brighter future for Guyana. Our Government welcomes this future and, more importantly, the contribution of providers like GTT that will foster the development of our ICT sector.”
The Prime Minister congratulated the telecommunications giant, saying that the achievement solidifies the company’s position as a major player in the industry, adding that their investment in greater connectivity will help the nation move closer to becoming a fully integrated, digital society with access to new opportunities.
“GTT has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide that our Government continues to push towards. This expansion will empower individuals, families, and communities, enabling them to tap into the vast opportunities the digital realm offers.”
He added: “By bringing its services to more households across the country, GTT has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide that our Government continues to push towards. This expansion will empower individuals, families, and communities, enabling them to tap into the vast opportunities the digital realm offers.”
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Eshwar Thakurdin underscored their continued commitment of providing international technology and connectivity to Guyanese.
“We are going to get to three-quarters by the end of next year. We will continue to build on these successes and connect more communities and create a brighter, more digitally empowered Guyana.”
Since the launch of Fibre in 2021, GTT has enhanced the value for money in its packages, bringing faster internet speeds and the ground-breaking GTT Fibre + Voice service including the ability to migrate a landline number and receive free minutes and calling features. Reliability is increased through affordable Plume Wi-Fi mesh solution and Power backup solution options.
Two weeks ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the removal of all taxes and duties on mobile phones – a move which was welcomed by local telecommunication providers in Guyana. He shared that it was one of the efforts by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government to enhance the local telecommunications sector and broaden technology use in the country as well as bridge the digital divide in the country. (G12)