NCA Assures Ghanaians Data Prices Will Reduce In Last Quarter Of 2024
- The National Communication Authority has assured Ghanaians that data prices will decrease by the fourth quarter of 2024
- NCA Director General Dr Joe Anokye said the launch of the NGIC network will help telecom companies reduce operational costs
- Dr Anokye's comment has followed widespread agitation among Ghanaians on social media about the high costs of data
The National Communication Authority (NCA) has asserted that data prices are set to decrease by the last quarter of the year.
The assurance follows a recent uproar on social media about the exorbitant charges telecommunications giant MTN has been charging consumers for data bundles and general poor services in the Ghanaian telecommunications sector.
Source: UGC
Consumers had blamed the NCA for intentionally frustrating the telecommunications giant by classifying it as a Significant Market Power (SMP), leading to the high data prices, and had demanded the dissolution of the NCA board.
However, in a press statement, the NCA denied any wrongdoing.
The National Communications Authority stated that the SMP classification was not meant to frustrate MTN's operations but to promote fair competition within the Ghanaian telecommunications market.
It explained that the measures taken, including the unbalanced interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality, are meant to foster innovation and protect consumers in the telecommunications space.
Notwithstanding, the NCA said it had taken note of the concerns and has proffered a solution to the problem.
NCA DG discusses Ghana's data costs
In a recent interview on Citi FM, the Director General of NCA, Dr Joe Anokye, said the introduction of the Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) wholesale carrier-neutral open access network data prices are likely to decrease.
The BnFT reported that the network is expected to be launched in the last quarter of 2024, which would enable telecom operators like MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo to purchase bulk data without upgrading towers or equipment to provide their 4G networks.
Read also
“I don’t care”: Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo blasts SSNIT over botched Rock City deal
The NCA director stated that this would lead to increased efficiency in the telecommunications space and would reduce costs.
However, Youtuber Samuel Yeboah, who has been campaigning for better data rates, said in an interview with YEN.com.gh that waiting until the end of the year is not a good enough solution to the country's problems.
"No, we will need to see a steeper decrease in price from next week as our campaign is still ongoing. We cannot wait for the end of the year while people are buying 60ghc of data, which is not a fair price, every day," he said.
He was hopeful that the protest against the high prices of data would reduce across all telecom networks to ease the burden on particularly young Ghanaians, who are most likely to use internet services.
"Yes, I am 99% confident. Since this campaign is going to be one of the most digitally effective campaigns in Ghana since independence, it will surely trigger an immediate reaction leading to a reduction in data prices."
Minority pushes against Next Gen InfraCo
Concerning Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), the minority in parliament had questioned the legality of the 5G deal awarded to the company.
The Akufo-Addo government is partnering with seven companies to deliver 5G mobile internet, with these companies are expected to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months.
However, the minority have said the described the deal as a sweetheart deal and have been opposing it.
MTN not excluded from 5G deal - Communication Minister
YEN.com.gh also reported that Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has said MTN has not been excluded from Ghana's 5G plans.
The Akufo-Addo government is partnering with seven companies to deliver 5G mobile internet under the Next Gen Infraco banner.
The minister said Ghana's biggest telecommunications company - MTN - would be allowed to buy shares in Next Gen Infraco, contrary to claims.
Proofread by Bruce Douglas, senior copy editor at YEN.com.gh
New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: YEN.com.gh
