NCA assures public of reduction in data prices by end of 2024

The National Communication Authority (NCA) has given its assurance to the public that date prices are going to drop by the end of year 2024.

The Authority says the price fall will be made possible by the introduction of the NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access network.

The drop in price will address concerns of the public over high cost of data and poor services for customers.

This comes after widespread criticism and calls for the dissolution of the NCA board, partly due to MTN’s classification as a Significant Market Power (SMP), which some argue has led to unreliable data supply and high costs.

Meanwhile, the NCA has classified in a statement that the SMP classification was meant to promote fair competition and not to burden operations of MTN.

Tariff parity, unbalanced interconnection rates and technology neutrality, according to the Authority, will foster competition, innovation and consumer protection.

The Director General of the NCA, Dr. Joe Anokye, has said that Ghanaians should expect a drop in data prices by close of December.

The NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access network, according to Mr. Anokye, is expected to be launched by the last quarter of the year, which will enable operators like AT, Telecel, and MTN to purchase bulk data without upgrading towers or equipment, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs.

Speaking with Accra-based Citi FM Thursday, July 25, 2024, Dr. Anokye indicated that: “Data prices are expected to go down, especially again with the NGIC wholesale career neutral open access, now AT, now Telecel, even MTN, they will just buy bulk, they don’t have to upgrade towers, they don’t have to buy new equipment to provide 4G, another entity is doing that.”

“They are supposed to launch by the last quarter of the year, and going from there we begin adding more towers. I think we should be hopeful,” he added.

Source:onuaonline.com