Murphy Augustin - proprietor Brain's Cell World: They are trying but they did not cater for as many customers as they now have, which is why the network is now overloaded. The ten-day activation is an improvement over a thirty-day period but I would prefer if they could go back to the original one-day activation period that they had originally. The reception is okay once you are around Georgetown but there is a small area between Georgetown and Linden where there is a dead-zone. But beyond that, reception is `A1,' since it also depends on which brand of phone you use. Rates are reasonable, what I think they should make an effort to solve is the network because many times you're told that a number is unavailable when it isn't. But I prefer the cell-phone over the land-line because I am always on the go `24-7' and people can get to me anywhere.'

Sophia Findlay - teacher: `I think the service is good for Guyana and with the facilities available here in a third world country, they are making a really good effort and I am satisfied. The reception is fine but there are a few problems like sometimes when the phone is on and someone attempts to contact you they are told that it's been turned off or in other instances, it rings out. But beyond that, I think it's pretty effective and I think I share the opinion of many young people when I say that having a cellular phone has so many advantages over the land-lines and its more convenient.'

Radix Russell - teacher: `I think the service is very convenient because you can use the phone at anytime, wherever you are, like on the street or when you are on the move. It's a very mobile form of communication, you can use it anywhere and I think it's a good effort by GT&T for Guyana. But I do know a lot of persons who use the pre-paid phone cards have problems with them, the cards do not last very long. It seems as though some people are finding ways to use other people's cards unjustly. GT&T should put more security measures in place to ensure that people will not be able to access your number and they need to do it quickly, because it's unjust.'

Winston Beresford - health and safety consultant: `Well, so far I have had no problems with the cellular service. Except sometimes when I am travelling a little outside of the city, going to another location and somewhere along the line you don't get the signal when you need it most. You put it on and it's either a low strength signal or service. But I find the service reasonable in the city and its environs although I have heard some people say that they have had problems, though I haven't. What is puzzling sometimes is the inconsistency in the service. I called from Black Bush Polder to Mazaruni Granite in the Mazaruni and I was able to get a clear signal but from Melanie Damishana to Rosignol, I could not get a signal. There is obviously some problem with the network, there are several gaps. As for the rates, well, I can't complain too much about them, it just means that you need to speak more condensed, but I don't see it as a problem as it is now. My understanding about the use of cellular phones is that it's for emergency purposes and I don't think it's for casual conversation, that's why many people find themselves with large bills.'

Malica Dowlin - university student: `I use the pre-paid system and sometimes people try to get on to me and they can't because the system is so overcrowded. The facilities they have in place are not able to facilitate the amount of customers they have now. I want improvements in the service. They are trying but there are still a lot of problems. The rates are kind of okay, but I am not totally satisfied. Look at the pre-paid service, in the past you have used regular phone cards, now they have blocked it which is something they should not have done. It's harder to find a $2000 phone card than a $500 card.

Winifred Mason - private sector employee: `I believe it's okay so far. Up until now, I have had no problems with the service. And I find it to be more convenient, because you can use it anytime, wherever you are, especially if you are on the road. But there can be some improvement because sometimes there's a lot of static when you try to use the phone but that happens with the land-lines also. But if there was another company I think we might get better rates or service. But in general, I don't have a problem with the cellular service.'

Ronnel Hussein - pharmacy assistant: `The service has improved a lot, especially over the last two months. You are getting through right away when you make your calls and the reception is alright. The situation was one where circuits were unavailable or the person's phone was turned off, but now that's not a problem. As for the rates they are a bit high and there are no off-peek hours, they should try to adjust it slightly. But I still want a land-line because it's more convenient. The cell-phone is for when I am on the road, when I am moving around, where it's convenient.'

Latoya Kirton - student: `The service is good but there are a few problems. The reception and at night you find it hard to get through because they say that the phone is turned off or it's not in range. They should try to make improvements. But I am satisfied, it's a helpful form of communication, especially in emergency situations. If you are on the road or out, your family or your workplace can contact you. The calling-party-pays system is fair but the rates are too high, there needs to be a decrease. My aunts are here from England and they don't want to use the phone because they think the rates are too high.'

Deslyn Jacobs - housewife: `The service is good but sometimes I do experience problems with the signals, which is not good sometimes and the reception is on and off. But the service is very good, especially for the area I live in at the Corentyne, because we don't have a land-line. And I would give up the cell phone for a land-line because of the cost. The rates are a bit high but then again I don't have a choice. I am very satisfied with the service but I would welcome any improvements.'