GT&T Telecommunications Licence prohibit others – Dr. Mahadeo
“While iNet Communications Inc has said that it has had a Telecommunication License for many years, I do not know
GT&T’s Former CEO,
Yog Dr Mahadeo
any company other than the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) or Digicel that received a Telecommunication Licence.”
This is according to former Chief Executive Officer of GT&T, Dr. Yog Mahadeo, who further insists that GT&T’s licence precludes any entity from being granted a telecommunication license except in the mobile arena.
George Melville of iNet Communications has claimed that the company is in receipt of a Telecommunications Licence for over 14 years now.
According to Dr. Mahadeo, what happened was that the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) through the Government of Guyana gave “permits” to a few entities for use of a certain frequency – for free.
“These permits were, I believe, restricted to the sale and distribution of internet access and were given to E-Networks, Quark Communications Inc and iNet.”
According to Dr. Mahadeo, it is important to note that while the company received free frequencies, Digicel and GT&T had to pay per a complex formula for the spectrum.
He said, too, that what was more intriguing was that the “freeness” was backed by granting “permits” to use what is usually known as the open spectrum.
“It was clear that the Government of Guyana avoided any legal challenges from GT&T by issuing these permits (instead of licenses).”
Dr. Mahadeo observed that the main persons behind these three companies, E-Networks, Quark Communications and Nexlink are known to everyone. One of them even appeared in the list of candidates for one political party at election time.
He was referring to Bryan Yong, who was on the Candidates List for the People’s Progressive Party Civic in the last elections.
Dr. Mahadeo recalled too that Quark Communications operated from within the premises of Queens Atlantic Investment Inc which is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, while iNet was acquired by Global Technology whose principals include Ramroop.
According to Dr. Mahadeo, Dr. Roger Luncheon was right to say he does not know iNet Communications, since if they have a telecommunication license, it would have been with the direct knowledge of Dr. Luncheon.
Dr. Mahadeo has since questioned if “these three companies operate under influence of one company or one group of persons. Will their collective strength effectively negate the dominance of GT&T and Digicel. Is communication in Guyana heading into the hands of a few persons?”
He reminded, too, that what maybe is not obvious to the public is that E-Networks, Quark Communications Inc., iNet and Nexlink Communications are all guaranteed telecommunication licences under the new telecommunication (liberalization) legislation without the need for any application.
Dr. Mahadeo said, that what is also not obvious to the public is that the PPP and the Alliance For Change (AFC) both lack the independence to argue and debate telecommunications liberalization since there is deep conflict of interest.
According to Dr. Mahadeo, the PPP’s members/candidates are guaranteed licences while top persons in the AFC namely, its leader Khemraj Ramjattan, and member of Parliament Trevor Williams, are retained by GT&T and Digicel.
“The question begs to be asked: Who will look out for Guyana’s best interest where telecommunication is concerned?”
