The National Communications Authority (NCA) has reacted to public concerns about the cost of mobile internet data in the country.
Some internet users have expressed worry about the rising cost of internet data in Ghana.
Many who took to social media to register their disquiet about the situation blamed it on the NCA’s decision to classify telecommunication giant, MTN as a Significant Market Player (SMP).
They say the decision and the consequential directives have forced the telecom giant to astronomically increase cost of its services including data.
But in a press statement dated July 21, 2024, the NCA while acknowledging the concerns said data published by cable.co.uk. indicates that cost of data pricing in Ghana is the third cheapest in Africa and second in the West African sub-region.
“Data from a report published by cable.co.uk, and reviewed by the Authority as part of a regular Billing Monitoring exercise, ranked Ghana 3rd in Africa as the country with the cheapest cost pricing for mobile internet data and 2nd in the West African Region,” it said in the statement.
The NCA justified the classification of MTN as SMP, stating the decision is in accordance with its mandate of ensuring fair competition and safeguarding consumers’ interest in the telecommunication industry.
“It is important to note that the SMP classification is not intended to punish or stifle MTN’s operations but rather to ensure a level playing field in the market and protect consumer choice,” it said.
It argued, “By implementing measures such as asymmetric interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality, the NCA aims to promote competition, encourage innovation, and protect consumers’ interests. These measures enable other operators to compete effectively, offer sustainable pricing, and invest in improving service quality”.
