GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- The rival cell phone carriers in Guyana have finally reached an agreement that allows their clients to exchange text messages, ending a yearlong dispute.

Digicel and the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Co. said on Saturday that their clients can start text-messaging each other by June.

The companies said technical details were worked out a year ago but disagreements had remained over contract terms. The pact was reached the same day regulators were scheduled to begin hearings on the issue.

A joint release issued on Sunday said, "Digicel and GT&T are pleased to announce that they have come to an agreement to enable cross-network mobile texting in Guyana"