236 hinterland villages now online with Govt’s high-speed WiFiGY

In just one year, 236 out of Guyana’s 253 officially recognised hinterland, remote and riverain communities have been connected to high-speed internet, thanks to the Government’s ambitious WiFiGY Programme and the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology.

The milestone, which started with the first connection in the Moruca Sub-district in Region One, now brings reliable internet at speeds exceeding 200 megabits per second to more than 132,000 residents — many of whom previously had little or no access to digital services.

The WiFiGY Programme is part of the Government’s drive to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology for all Guyanese, regardless of geography. In remote villages, students now attend virtual classes more easily, health centres can coordinate telemedicine, and small businesses are tapping into new online markets.

Previously, Prime Minister Mark Phillips has described the rollout as a “game-changer for national development,” highlighting that digital inclusion is central to the country’s wider plan for transformation and resilience.

Communities still awaiting connections are expected to come online before year-end, with the Government aiming for full coverage. The project has also sparked interest in digital skills training and local entrepreneurship, with many villages now exploring community WiFi hubs, online learning centres and remote work opportunities.

As Guyana continues to modernise its ICT infrastructure, the WiFiGY success story stands as a clear example of how technology can reach even the most isolated corners, bringing thousands closer to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.