Cel*Star gets service go ahead
--- signs interconnection accord with GT&T
Guyana Chronicle
August 12, 2004
THE last significant hurdle against Cel*Star launching its competitive cellular service in Guyana was cleared yesterday with the signing of the Interconnection Agreement with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).
Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Pierre Strasser, at a press briefing at Cel*Star's head office yesterday, explained that the signing of the inter-connection agreement signals the immediate resumption of interconnection work with GT&T.
Making the announcement on behalf of its parent company, Trans World Telecom Caribbean, Strasser hailed the signing as "a positive step” as Cel*Star and GT&T move ahead to complete interconnection work over the next five to six weeks.
"We look forward to working with GT&T to complete the implementation of interconnection in a timely manner," he added.
He explained that GT&T must now apply to the High Court to intervene in the proceedings between Cel*Star Guyana and Celstar Caribbean to have this agreement made an order of court and added that they anticipate this application for intervention will be filed by GT&T to the High Court immediately.
According to Strasser, customers will immediately see the benefits and advantages of flexible pricing plans, a wide range of products and superior customer service, with Cel*Star’s launching of its services in the marketplace.
"Guyana will be amazed by what Cel*Star has to offer," he boasted.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, Justice Persaud told the Chronicle that the public hearing between GT&T and Cel*Star has been postponed to September 30.
Cel*Star began laying the foundation for the launch of its services in Guyana three years ago, and has so far invested some US$20M in the project.
Efforts to get a response from GT&T proved futile. (SHIRWIN CAMPBELL)