Guyana Times posted an article on February 9, 2021, about the Guyanese government expressing awareness of cyber security threats due to the increased reliance on ICT. Below are some key highlights:
- Innovations Phillips said that Government is interested in mobile telephones based on satellite technology that can sustainably serve the hinterland and remote populations.
- With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a pressing imperative to ensure the widespread rollout and adoption of Information and Communications Technology (ICTs). Such technologies are instrumental to our ability to respond to the pandemic,” the Prime Minister is quoted as saying in a Department of Public Information report.
- US$17.4 million has been earmarked for improving internet connectivity to 200 communities throughout Guyana which will be rolled out this year. 35,000 households in those communities will be presented with an upgrade in solar panels to power their homes.” The Prime Minister said that Guyana is not lost on the benefits of ICTs, and recognises their immense capabilities.
- The liberalisation of the sector, Phillips explained, brings the country’s telecommunications industry in line with regional and global standards. He stressed that the Government is willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that citizens have access to innovative and modern services.
- He said that along with cybersecurity, focus is on enhanced technology. “As I consider the primary focus of this conference; its emphasis on innovation, in cybersecurity and how Caribbean operators are preparing for 5G and cloud services, I look at Guyana’s position and acknowledge that, while we are still to complete considerations relating to 5G assignments and rollouts, our country can still serve as a potential jurisdiction for the location of data centres.
- More data centres will be needed to host and stream data at significantly higher speeds, volumes, and lower latencies,” the Prime Minister is quoted as saying. He stressed that the potential of 5G and its benefits are fascinating and can take technology to “new heights” beyond just smartphones, and can be applied to multiple industries and high-tech devices such as self-driving cars, improved drone technology, smart factories, and even in bringing new service paradigms to healthcare.
- As it relates to Guyana, the Prime Minister explained, the Government has delivered to the business environment through liberalisation and looks to the Private Sector of the region – that is the membership of CANTO – to deliver with investment, jobs and affordable, innovative services for consumers; as well as a price relief for consumers, amid the pandemic.
Reference(s):