In the wake of catastrophic twin earthquakes that hit northern Venezuela in late June 2026, a major regional telecommunications provider has stepped forward to support cross-border connection for families and communities grappling with the disaster. Digicel Guyana announced Tuesday that it is immediately rolling out a complimentary unlimited calling offer for its customers to reach contacts in Venezuela, as rescue efforts continue amid rising casualty numbers.
The disaster, which struck on June 24, began with a 7.2-magnitude foreshock that was followed within seconds by a stronger 7.5-magnitude mainshock. The powerful back-to-back quakes have left a trail of widespread destruction across northern regions of the country, with the capital Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira reporting the most severe damage. As search and rescue teams work around the clock to locate survivors trapped in collapsed structures, official death toll has climbed into the thousands, with thousands more injured and hundreds of people still reported missing.
For Guyana, a neighboring Caribbean nation with extensive cross-border personal, social and economic ties to Venezuela, the disaster has left many residents anxious to check on the safety of loved ones and business partners. In a statement announcing the new initiative, Digicel Guyana emphasized that as a neighbor, the company and the country stand in full solidarity with Venezuela through this ongoing crisis. Company leadership noted that access to affordable, reliable communication has become the most urgent need for many Guyanese with connections to earthquake-impacted areas.
“In moments like these, connection is everything,” said Deonarine Gopaul, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Guyana and Suriname, in a press statement. “We want our customers to be able to check on their loved ones, offer support, and stay close to the people who matter most without worrying about the cost of a phone call.”
The free unlimited calling service went into effect immediately following the announcement, and Digicel has urged its customers to take advantage of the offer to reach out to affected contacts, share updates, and provide much-needed emotional comfort to those navigating the aftermath of the disaster. As rescue operations extend into their second week, the initiative is expected to remove a major financial barrier for families desperate for information about their loved ones across the border.