Copper theft and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure have disrupted services for approximately 7,000 residential and business customers in Guyana over the past two months, according to One Communications, which is calling for stronger measures to protect critical network assets.
The telecommunications company said it recorded five incidents of vandalism and copper theft during the period, with the resulting damage also affecting mobile services and, in some cases, critical public-sector facilities.
The company said the incidents are compounded by accidental damage to infrastructure during roadworks and by heavy-duty vehicles, creating additional disruptions to telecommunications services.
One Communications said repairing damaged infrastructure can be extensive and costly, often requiring the replacement of cables and network equipment, excavation, cable splicing, testing and the deployment of specialised technical crews.
The company said the repeated damage not only disrupts connectivity but also diverts resources that could otherwise be used to strengthen and expand the network.
“Every time a cable is stolen, deliberately damaged or severed during other works, there are people on the other end who suddenly lose a service they depend on,” said Jasmin Harris, Communications and Community Relations Manager at One Communications.
“Our teams work tirelessly to restore connectivity as quickly as possible, but repeated damage to the network makes maintaining the quality and reliability of service our customers deserve increasingly challenging.”
The company said the impact extends beyond individual customers, noting that telecommunications infrastructure now supports essential operations across businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government agencies and emergency services.
One Communications is urging greater coordination among telecommunications providers, contractors, motorists, communities, public agencies and law enforcement to reduce both deliberate and accidental damage.
The company said it continues to engage authorities, law-enforcement agencies, contractors and other stakeholders to strengthen preventative measures, improve coordination around works that could affect telecommunications infrastructure and deter theft and vandalism.
It is also calling on communities to help protect infrastructure in their neighbourhoods by reporting suspicious activity involving telecommunications cables, poles, cabinets, underground infrastructure and other network equipment.
“This is ultimately about protecting the connectivity of our communities,” Harris said.
“When telecommunications infrastructure is damaged, the consequences are shared by all of us. We are asking everyone, contractors, motorists, communities, public agencies and law enforcement, to work with us to protect this critical national infrastructure and the services Guyanese rely on every day.”
One Communications said it remains committed to strengthening its network and restoring services as quickly and safely as possible when disruptions occur.
However, the company stressed that preventing avoidable damage is critical to ensuring that resources can remain focused on improving network resilience, expanding connectivity and delivering the quality of service customers expect.
Members of the public with information about telecommunications theft, vandalism or deliberate damage are being encouraged to report incidents to the Guyana Police Force or through One Communications’ designated vandalism reporting channel.
