Digicel on Saturday launched its newest cell site in Port Kaituma thereby expanding its coverage to the North West District.

In a press release the company said this is the second site it has launched in Region One; joining the Mabaruma site which was opened in June. Digicel CEO Mark Linehan, at the opening ceremony said he was delighted to “officially switch on the Digicel network in Port Kaituma.” Linehan said that the establishment of the site was the fulfilment of a promise that “we would build a network that offered crystal clear coverage throughout Guyana, especially to those parts of the interior that never before had access to mobile communication.”

Linehan said too “the northwest district is full of rich resources and has amazing potential. That is why Digicel is leading the way with new investment in the region.” He said the company wanted to provide coverage to the area to allow the government, regional administration, local businesses and residents to realise the potential there.

In his brief address at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said the new site was timely since focus is being placed on developing agriculture, forestry and mining in the region.

Regional Chairman Fermin Singh said Digicel’s mobile service at Port Kaituma and Mabaruma “already had a transforming impact for the better on Region One.” The community celebrated the new launch with a street party near to the cell site. Many residents also used the opportunity to visit the new Digicel store to take advantage of the offers on headsets and other accessories now available to the community.

Digicel said it provides coverage for more than 93% of the population and has almost 30% more cell sites than the competition. “Before Digicel’s 1st Anniversary, in February this year, coverage stretched continuously from Charity to Corriverton along the coastal corridor and south to Linden and Bartica with coverage also at Mabaruma, and Lethem,” the release said. The company said it had also extended coverage to Mahdia, Santa Rosa and Kwakwani by its first anniversary.