Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has responded to growing public concerns about high internet data pricing and the recent classification of MTN as a Significant Market Power (SMP). These concerns have been especially vocal on social media platforms. In a press release issued on Sunday, the NCA, established by an Act of Parliament in December 1996, which has since been replaced by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), acknowledged the grievances of consumers and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding fair competition and safeguarding consumer interests within the telecommunications sector.
The NCA clarified that the SMP classification for MTN is not a punitive measure but rather a strategic effort to maintain a level playing field. “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,” the release stated. To achieve this, the NCA says it has implemented several measures designed to foster competition and innovation while protecting consumer interests. These include asymmetric interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality.
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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 initiatives are intended to enable other operators to compete effectively, offer sustainable pricing, and invest in improving service quality. The NCA also referenced a report from cable.co.uk, which was reviewed as part of their regular Billing Monitoring exercise. The report places Ghana third in Africa for the lowest mobile internet data costs and second in the West African region. The NCA highlighted this to reassure consumers about the country’s competitive data pricing landscape.
