Government’s WiFiGY Initiative will see thousands benefitting

The installation of 1000 free WiFiGY locations or “Hotspots” along Guyana’s coast has commenced by the Prime Minister’s Office, through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).

It was noted that the initiative, which is being referred to as WiFiGY seeks to provide free internet access to thousands of citizens through the WiFiGY portal. WiFiGY has been described as free internet access provided by the Guyana Government to its citizens. As such, connections will be established at public buildings, libraries, schools, health centres, markets, and other public spaces. These hotspots, the Prime Minister’s Office said will be connected via Long Term Evolution (LTE) WiFi equipment, and all have a coverage capability of just under 30 metres both indoors and outdoors, while allowing for 100 concurrent users at each site.

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips has indicated that the Government is committed to bridging the digital divide. Phillips pointed out that in its initial deployment, “connections will focus on the coastland because these locations can be easily connected to the NDMA’s LTE network. He disclosed that Government will not only focus on the coast but in subsequent releases, using different types of technology. Phillips added that Government will seek to ensure WiFiGY connections are in every region of the country”.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the NDMA, Christopher Deen, has been travelling along the coastland and meeting with community leaders to see how best the NDMA, through this initiative can support the regions. “The benefit of this initiative is enormous; we are talking about positively changing people’s lives. For example, the GOAL Scholarship awardees, can visit these hotspots in their communities and attend classes, do research, submit assignments, or even write exams,” Deen explained.

The NDMA General Manager revealed that WiFiGY signs will be mounted at connected locations to inform citizens of their existence. They have indicated that for more information on the work of the NDMA and other ICT initiatives visit the NDMA’s Facebook page for daily updates.