Digicel challenges GT&T monopoly
Published:Monday | May 11, 2009 | 6:10 PM
Telecommunications company, Digicel says it has started legal proceedings challenging the monopoly enjoyed by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).
The dispute centers on international calls to and from the country.
The Massachusetts-based Atlantic Tele Network, which owns the majority shares of GT&T, has a 20 year agreement that expires in 2010.
The company also has a complete monopoly on the carriage of international traffic.
As part of this exclusive agreement, GT&T has the option to renew this agreement for a further 20 years and further prevent the introduction of competition in the international market.
However, Digicel is insisting that this exclusive agreement is unlawful and unconstitutional.
It says the accord also seriously hampers the full liberalisation of the telecommunications market in Guyana.