News Source Guyana Reports : Mobile phone subscriptions in Guyana surpassed one million users in 2025, according to a detailed report on the country’s telecommunications sector released by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
The milestone represents a dramatic surge from approximately 560,000 subscribers recorded in 2011, with the growth attributed to network upgrades, competitive service offerings and improved nationwide coverage. PUC Chairman Dr. Nanda Gopaul said the rise in mobile tele-density by more than 120% points to widespread device ownership and multi-SIM usage among Guyanese consumers. Fixed broadband subscriptions also continued their upward trajectory, crossing the 130,000-subscriber threshold.
“These figures underscored Guyana’s accelerating digital transformation and the increasing importance of telecommunications to economic and social life,” Dr. Gopaul said.
A landmark development driving competition during the year was the introduction of number portability on February 10, 2025, allowing customers to switch between service providers while keeping their existing phone numbers. Dr. Gopaul described the move as significantly empowering consumers by offering greater choice and flexibility, while intensifying rivalry among operators.
Competition was further shaken up in April 2025 with the entry of Starlink (Guyana) Inc., which was granted a licence to provide fixed satellite broadband internet service, giving consumers an even broader range of connectivity options.
On the regulatory front, the PUC in February 2025 directed the implementation of the third tranche of termination rate reductions under the Telecommunications (Interconnection and Access) Regulations 2020. The adjustments, Dr. Gopaul explained, were designed to promote fair competition, drive down pricing and prevent anti-competitive distortions. The Commission also reviewed and approved more than 40 new and revised service plans from operators during the year.
Dr. Gopaul noted that capital expenditure across the industry remained elevated as operators expanded fibre networks, upgraded backhaul infrastructure and extended coverage into developing regions — investments he described as consistent with a sector transitioning from expansionary build-out toward broader asset utilisation.
With Guyana’s oil economy continuing its rapid rise, Dr. Gopaul said the ICT sector maintained its resilience and stability, with connectivity playing a critical role in driving productivity, fostering innovation and supporting key sectors including education, healthcare, commerce and national security.
