New regulations in 2020 paved the way for introducing number portability in Guyana. To make this possible, PXS was selected to implement the number portability solution, and guide operators through the process. We spoke with Nikita Somwaru (Lead Engineer) and Vidiahar Persaud (Chief Executive Officer), both part of the regulator Public Utilities Commission (PUC). “In the end, the goal was for the consumers to benefit. That goal has been achieved.”
When Guyana’s telecom market was liberated, number portability was a key competitive tool to introduce.
“For the regulator and the sector, it was important to allow other operators to join and to offer new services”, Persaud explains. “People had the same number for so long; we’re talking about decades. For these customers, it would mean a lot to look for better prices and change to another operator, without losing their number.”
With this consumer perspective in mind, implementing number portability became crucial. A working group, consisting of the regulator and the three operators, was set up to select a suitable partner for implementing the Number Portability Clearinghouse (NPC).
"It would mean a lot to consumers to change to another operator, to look for better prices without losing their number.”
“Six companies presented, and PXS was chosen as the best fit”, Persaud says. “The group evaluated the technical proposal, but also weighed commercial factors such as experience and number of clients. PXS ranked very high in that regard.”
Overcoming technical challenges
With a partner selected, the real work began. During weekly working group meetings, which PXS also attended, any issues were discussed and progress was monitored. While the implementation of the NPC moved along smoothly, some complexities arose with routing: to ensure SMS messages and calls were delivered correctly. Both domestic and international.
“We had a few new players on the market”, says Somwaru. “And even though they were issued phone numbers, these numbers were not internationally recognized yet, causing difficulties in routing. It added some delay to get those numbers configured correctly.”
Getting the routing right is especially important for A2P messages, which include the one time password codes for 2-factor authentication. Consumers increasingly rely on this type of validation, so it’s important these messages are still delivered when a number is ported.
"Consumers increasingly rely on 2-factor authentication, so it’s important these messages are delivered when a number is ported."
“Those are the real difficulties”, Persaud adds. “The configuration, to ensure you have a seamless number portability process. That took some time to get right, but all parties were doing the best in the circumstances.”
All objectives achieved
Although the road wasn’t without bumps, number portability went live in February 2025. The project stands as a success for everyone involved. “Despite the longer timeline, we were satisfied with the outcome”, Persaud says. “In the end, the goal was for the consumers to benefit. That goal has been achieved.”
Somwaru agrees. “Even though the aim was a shorter timeframe for the implementation, all our objectives have been met.”
Following the launch of number portability in Guyana, the PUC now focuses on improving access, quality of service, and public awareness. “Several initiatives are underway”, Persaud says. “Operators have been using advertising, ensuring consumers can port seamlessly. From the regulator side, we do that by showing how the process is working.”
“In the end, the goal was for the consumers to benefit. That goal has been achieved.”
Lessons learned
Does the PUC have any tips for other countries, who are in the process of introducing number portability? “One key tip would be to be more vigilant on timelines”, says Persaud. “If you allow timelines to slip, the entire picture starts to fade.”
He continues: “At the same time, you should do a couple of things simultaneously to stay ahead. If you’re establishing number portability business rules, you could already be looking at draft contracts. By the time we recruited PXS, we should have been at a point to start testing immediately.”
“Fortunately, PXS did exactly what was needed as a technical partner”, Persaud says. “They guided us through the process, supported tests and provided clear feedback. The communication lines were open and we could reach them quickly.”
Somwaru concurs, and adds: “Despite the different time zones, there is a prompt response to enquiries. That’s the professionalism we appreciate.”
“PXS did exactly what was needed as a technical partner, guiding us through the process, supporting tests and providing clear feedback.”
