One Communications has completed upgrades at 35 mobile sites across Guyana as part of a US$25 million investment programme, with the company reporting a sharp increase in mobile data use as demand for connectivity continues to grow.
The telecommunications company said mobile data traffic on its network has increased by 28 per cent year-to-date, while average data consumption per customer has risen by 23 per cent, from 17.3GB to 21.3GB.
Chief Executive Officer Abraham Smith shared that the upgrades are aimed at keeping the company’s infrastructure in line with Guyana’s economic and digital growth. “More people are connected, businesses are becoming more digital, communities are expanding and customers are consuming more data than ever before,” Smith said. “Our investment isn’t simply about keeping pace with telecommunications. It’s about keeping pace with Guyana.”
The company said the 35-site enhancement programme, completed as planned for 2026, uses advanced LTE technology to increase capacity and improve performance during periods of heavy network demand.
Mobile COO Randall Hewitt likened the expansion to adding lanes to a busy road to accommodate increasing traffic and reduce bottlenecks.
2G network retirement
One Communications is also continuing the phased retirement of its legacy 2G network, with a nationwide shutdown scheduled for October 31, 2026.
The company said 21 coastal sites have already been transitioned, with Mahaica among the latest communities upgraded. LTE upgrades have also been completed in Annai and Kurupukari, while work is underway in Lethem, Lethem Central, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, which are targeted for completion by mid-October.
Approximately 5,100 remaining customers in Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo are expected to be affected during the final phases of the 2G retirement through October. Customers using 2G-only handsets or older SIM cards are being contacted and offered eligible upgrades free of charge.
Apart from the current upgrades, One Communications said it is evaluating approximately 30 locations for potential future network expansion, including areas such as Experiment, Golden Grove, LBI and East Canje. The company said final decisions will depend on technical assessments, regulatory approvals and network planning priorities.
It also plans to improve coverage and capacity with four new towers at Crabwood Creek, Canje, Enmore and Cane Grove by the end of 2026.
Smith acknowledged that the network still has areas requiring improvement but said investment and expansion work are ongoing. “We are not saying the network is perfect,” he said. “We know there are areas where improvements are needed. We are investing, the work is happening now, and we are developing the roadmap to address those opportunities.”
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