Guyana government acquires spectrum monitoring systems

Guyana's telecoms ministry has purchased three spectrum monitoring systems costing some 100mn Guyana dollars (US$482,000) to better manage and trace frequencies, according to the country's public information website.

The systems were commissioned by the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), which allocates radio and television licenses for the use of spectrum, and measures the magnitude of an input signal within the full frequency range of the instrument.

"We can measure accurately how spectrum is being used...We can bring transparency to the process. We can ensure that we reduce the illegal use of spectrum," minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes said.

The transportable system is attached to a trailer. The instrument will be used to monitor not only radio and television stations but taxi operators, ships and security forces.

Guyana's government is currently negotiating the end of the monopoly of telco Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).

Outstanding issues regarding spectrum pricing and mechanisms for issuing licenses could delay the plans to liberalize the sector by end-July, it was reported last week.

Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) holds an 80% stake in GT&T.