COVID-19: Mahama calls on government, telcos to assist Ghanaians with internet cost
- Mahama has called on the government and telecommunication companies to work towards reducing the challenges internet users face during these COVID-19 times
- The former president argued that some relief on internet expenditure would be a step in the right direction
- He, however, urged government to assure the telcos of a free six months extension of licenses to motivate them to reduce the cost of internet
Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has called on the government and telecommunication companies in the country to work towards reducing the challenges internet users face during these trying coronavirus times.
Addressing the issue after announcing the donation of food items to some 20,000 households, Mahama argued that some relief on internet expenditure would be a step in the right direction.
According to him, COVID-19 has increased the expenditure on the use of the internet among Ghanaians.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Telcos unite to support gov't in fight; offer massive packages to customers
“This has drastically increased their expenditure on internet usage to the extent to the extent that some can no longer cope. Indeed there are reports of several students being unable to complete online lectures because their data run out. Several people are also working from home.”
Mahama, however, urged government to assure the telcos of a free six months extension of licenses to motivate them to reduce the cost of the internet services to their clients.
“This value can be applied to cushion consumers during this three-month period,” Mr Mahama noted.
He suggested that telcos can also be compensated with funds from the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC).
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Ghanaian robotics company invents electronic sanitisers (photos)
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that all telecommunication companies in Ghana, in a bid to throw in their support to government in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, are offering various free packages to its subscribers.
Some of those packages are free access to over 100 educational online sites and e-learning platforms.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, the Telecommunications Chamber noted their vision in times like these is to help people have access to connectivity and technology so that people, society and industry could thrive during the crisis.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Until we see dead bodies we will not believe it – Bukom Banku says
Government of Ghana to absorb water bills for the next 3-months | #Yencomgh
Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?
Your stories and photos are always welcome.
Get interactive via our Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
