NCA to consider banning Whatsapp, Viber, Skype calls

The National Communications Authority (NCA) says its considering calls for OTT services to be banned, after claims that they were causing telecoms companies to lose revenue.

OTT Services include applications and services which are accessible over the internet and in some cases ride on operators’ networks numbering resources and internet access services.

Examples of these are Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, Twitter, Chat On, Snapchat, Instagram, Google Talk, Hike, Line, WeChat and Tango.

The chief executive officer of MTN Ghana, Ebenezer Twum Asante, in March called on the NCA to ban OTT services, saying they cause telecoms companies to lose money than sim box fraud does.

He said when people make whatsapp calls, for instance, they do that through the internet, bypassing the traditional channel.

Acccording to him, bypassing the traditional channel using telecommunication networks in the country deprive the telcos of revenue.

"If you compare that one to Sim Boxing, my position is OTT is more expensive. I think we must apply the same level of seriousness to OTT calls since it has a bigger revenue threats”, he pointed out.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NCA said it was reviewing the situation and would soon take decisions for an enabling regulatory environment that will benefit all stakeholders including both the operator and consumer.

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“We urge the continued discussions and encourage feedback and comments on this issue to the NCA,” the statement said.

Source: YEN.com.gh