GTT concerned over E-Networks subsea cable laying

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has voiced concern over E-Networks currently laying a subsea cable in the absence of necessary approvals, while warning that the operation could jeopardise its own services.

“GTT is very concerned that E-Networks is laying subsea fibre with complete disregard for necessary approvals and international protocols,” GTT Chief Executive officer Justin Nedd said in a statement yesterday.

More than a year after E-Networks was told by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications that it had not been licensed to lay and land a subsea cable, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) earlier this month again placed a notice for mariners about the company’s cable laying project.

According to a Notice to Mariners that was published in Kaieteur News’ August 19th edition, on August 27th, IT Marine SRL was due to commence a cable laying project for E-Networks Inc. within the Guyana Maritime Zone, with operations scheduled to be finished on October 31st.

The notice explained that the operation will include the use of four vessels – IT Intrepid, El Zoro Grande II, Trinity Tradewinds and Trinity Transporter III. The area of operation reportedly stretches off Kingston for approximately 26 nautical miles from the Coast of Guyana, and covers an area of approximately 32 square kilometres.

Stabroek News contacted owner of E-Networks, Vishok Persaud, who said that he was not in charge of those operations but directed that queries be sent to him via WhatsApp. He acknowledged receipt of the questions but when asked when a response would be forthcoming did not reply.

This newspaper also sought an explanation from the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and was told that only its Minister, Catherine Hughes, was permitted to speak on the matter. No one would confirm if ENetworks was given clearance by the ministry.

In 2018, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications had stated definitively that E-Networks did not have permission to land or lay a subsea cable.

On July 24th last year, a similar notice to the recent one had been appearing in the local press over the span of a few days under the signature of Harbour Master Michael Tennant. The notice advised that on July 31st,

IT International Telecom Canada Inc. would commence a survey exercise on behalf of ENetworks Inc. as preparatory works for a subsea cable laying project within the Guyana Maritime Zone.

It also noted that the exercise was scheduled for a two-month period at a drill site approximately 23.1 nautical miles from the coast of Guyana and covers an area of 10 square kilometres.

However, a press statement later issued by the Ministry had said that applications for licences to lay and land subsea cable systems and/or other major telecommunications operations by any entity that did not hold a telecommunications licence would be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act. Section 23 (9) (a) of the Act specifies that a person who intends to land, install or operate any submarine or terrestrial cable for the purpose of connecting to a cable, other facility or telecommunication network outside of Guyana shall first obtain an individual licence or if that person has already been granted an individual licence shall first obtain an amendment to such individual licence expressly authorising the landing, installation, or operation of any such cable.

Nedd said that GTT had been trying to get information on the legality of the operation but to date has not been able to ascertain if any clearance was given to the company.

“To date, as far as it is publicly known, such a licence has not been issued by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, and by extension, the Government of Guyana. The [Environmental Protection Agency] has also stated that E-Networks is conducting its activities, landing the cable, using an expired environmental and construction permit,” he said.

Nedd hoped that the rule of law would be observed, even as it stressed the importance of relevant permits to its own operations.

“We have attempted to reach out to E-Networks to facilitate the construction in accordance with international protocols, as this … disregard for established protocol threatens the security and integrity of our SGSCS subsea cable. As the only reliable method of international connectivity into Guyana, any damage to the SGSCS threatens the internet connectivity of the entire country,” his statement said.

“It is our hope that the observance of sound rule of law, as well as acceptable and ethical business practices will be upheld within the country’s telecommunications sector by both existing and potential players in the market,” it added.

Nedd further said that GTT remains committed to continuing to build resilient connectivity to improve life experiences in Guyana and by unlocking innovation. “GTT will not overlook any action that can disrupt service delivery to its customers,” the statement noted.