GT&T cell users may soon be able to dial up in Caribbean
Stabroek News
February 2, 2004

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Cellular phone users will be able to use their instruments in other Caribbean territories by June as the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) upgrades its wireless mobile system.

Groupe Spéciale Mobile (GSM) is an alternative to the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system currently in use by the company and will allow GT&T to cover a different spectrum via the roaming service.

GT&T's General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Sonita Jagan said that the telephone company has already had its application to the GSM Association approved and has also received approaches from two telephone companies offering roaming links. The approaches have been made by US and Surinamese cellular companies which are keen to commence the process of roaming, the CEO said.

GT&T has already ordered the necessary equipment from Nortel and is expected to receive this by the end of April, after which it would take about two months to be up and running, Jagan said.

GT&T's decision to acquire the GSM system used mostly in the Caribbean came after some two years of investigation and was prompted by its extensive roaming capacity. Giant US telecommunication company AT&T also recently acquired the GSM service, the CEO said.

Meanwhile, the company's cellular network is to be extended to allow its coverage to be accessed at Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni) and the Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) border community of Lethem.

GT&T is also expected to offer, in conjunction with the cellular network, other services to satisfy its growing number of subscribers.

Jagan also alluded to the introduction of a pre-paid system whereby customers could update their cell phone accounts simply by visiting distributors who will key in their numbers and replenish their service.

Meanwhile GT&T is continuing to monitor developments in relation to cellular competitor Cel*Star which is currently attempting to sort out some internal management and legal difficulties. This cellular company, once fully operational, will also offer the GSM service.

GT&T is also offering subscribers points for the number of minutes.

According to the company's Marketing and Sales Director, Michael George, customers can receive giveaways of varying values for acquiring a certain amount of points as part of the competition.

George also announced at the media briefing that the much anticipated cell link cards in the $1,000 denomination are now available for sale at distributors. GT&T currently has some 118,618 customers on its cellular network.