Guyana’s hinterland is now a step closer to enjoying the benefits of reliable high-speed broadband internet courtesy of two local communications companies, as a result of the recent launch of a communications satellite.
A GTT release yesterday informed that along with its partner WANSAT, it is now closer to providing high-speed broadband internet to remote regions of Guyana after the successful launch of the ViaSat-3 Americas satellite into a geostationary orbit on Sunday, April 30.
The successful launch was done by global communications company Viasat Inc aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This announcement was made on Tuesday by the two companies at the Guyana Pavilion at the Offshore Technology Conference 2023 (OTC) being held at the NRG Centre in Houston, Texas, USA.
According to the release, the partnership, “Connectivity Anywhere” was announced just last week between GTT and WANSAT and will provide much-needed connectivity to communities that are currently underserved or unserved, and will deliver “fast, affordable, and reliable connectivity” to rural and hinterland areas in Guyana.
CEO of WANSAT, Andre Jones, during his remarks at the announcement said, “Before today, Guyana never had a broadband satellite coverage in hinterland areas, this would be a first.
We have satellites over Guyana, but in terms of a high-capacity broadband satellite that can provide the types of speeds at the type of price that we’ll be able to offer has not been there before.”
He added, “The bottom line is for us and GTT to provide seamless connectivity across the country so whether you are in an area that has wireless connectivity or cellular service or Wi-Fi hotspots, you can roam anywhere in the country no matter where or what you are doing.”
The release informed that it is expected that it will take less than three weeks for the ViaSat-3 satellite to reach its final orbital destination.
Chief Operating Officer of GTT Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, in his address to the gathering said, “In a few weeks we will be able to start bringing rural communities online and that for us is a big promise and commitment we made to our stakeholders including the Government. We look forward to many more innovations with WANSAT.”
Meanwhile, Chief Investment Officer of Guyana and Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who was present at the announcement was quoted as saying, “On behalf of the Government of Guyana, seeing the private sector step up to the challenges of our mutual development in our nation is a good example. It brings more direct investment into Guyana, it brings knowledge and content. We look forward to our collaborations in the private sector. Many areas that we would not have had access to in the interior and the hinterlands will now have reliable internet connectivity.”
The service, according to the release, will be available starting in July 2023, but customers will be allowed to pre-order service on a priority basis, starting in May. Persons needing more information can visit www.gtt.co.gy or www.wansat.co.gy
GTT noted that it has been working closely with WANSAT to ensure that the planned service meets their strict requirements for reliability and affordability and addresses the connectivity needs of their customers. As such, the two companies are confident of having a smooth rollout of the new service.
