Pilot programme on use of Microwave network for mid-year- NDMA Chairman

– testing will be conducted in Regions Two, Six and Nine – microwave technology cost effective compared current methods

The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) will be conducting a pilot programme in mid-year using microwave technology to provide internet connectivity in the remote communities of Regions Two, Six and Nine.

This was recently disclosed by NDMA Chairman, Floyd Levi, who said these areas cannot easily receive coverage using the fibre optic cable or the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network.

Microwave is a robust technology, which Levi noted, “offers the possibility to get to far-flung communities and has fairly high network capacity for connections.”

On an outreach in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) in February, Levi explained to the residents there that the intention is to lay the Microwave network from Linden (Region Ten) to Lethem.

He noted that the telephone companies in that region are utilising satellite to provide internet access, which is costly. A better option, Levi further explained would be to use fibre optics. However, he noted that currently poses several challenges if laid underground due to the fact that the region floods frequently.

Asked about partnerships, the NDMA Chairman said the agency is open to partnering with private companies that can assist in expanding the network coverage to remote areas. NDMA has partnerships with Digicel, GTT, IMON Wireless Solutions and the Chinese company Huawei.

By Stacy Carmichael | DPI

Images by Gajuan Jordan