SkyTel: Instant messages worldwide

To operate in Guatemala, MTEL received authorization from the Government to use an international frequency via satellite. Operations centers are active in two cities: Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango, the second largest city located in Western Guatemala.

There are five companies offering locating and message services. All use an FM band system and frequencies between 100 and 200 MHz. According to MTEL's research, the Guatemalan population is generally not satisfied with the communication systems currently operating in the country.

MTEL was founded by a group of entrepreneurs who saw the potential future applications of transmitting electronic messages via radio frequencies. Their vision for a national and international service convinced the US Government to establish special frequencies for this procedure. The Government assigned the 931 MHz band for the SkyTel system. At present, SkyTel has a 70% market share in the US market of electronic messaging, with more than 300,000 service units.

Facing the globalization process in the business world, MTEL first started building a Global Message-sending Network. This was the first step in expanding its coverage to other North American countries. Thus, the alliance with the First Mobile Telecommunication Company of Canada. Later, another alliance was formed with Mexican businessmen, in order to build the first national message network. This uses the same frequency as SkyTel in Guatemala.

The network has expanded to several Asian countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and soon, Hong Kong. Ghana is the first African country to be serviced by SkyTel. In Europe, England, Malta, and Norway are part of the network.

MTEL's future strategy is to offer additional electronic services, such as electronic mail, for which new technologies are being developed. Recently, MTEL inaugurated a two way communication service with which the user can answer any message immediately. It will be available in Guatemala next year.