The National Communication Authority (NCA) has reassured the public that data prices will decrease by the last quarter of the year, in response to concerns about high data costs and inadequate service quality.
In a statement, the NCA clarified that the Significant Market Power (SMP) classification is intended to “promote fair competition, not burden MTN’s operations.”
This announcement comes in the wake of widespread criticism and demands for the dissolution of the NCA board, partly due to MTN’s designation as a Significant Market Power (SMP), which some argue has resulted in unreliable data supply and elevated costs.
The Authority explained that strategies such as “unbalanced interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality” will enhance competition, innovation, and consumer protection.
Speaking on Citi FM, the Director General of NCA, Dr. Joe Anokye, mentioned that data prices are expected to decrease with the introduction of the NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access network.
This network, anticipated to launch by the last quarter of the year, will allow operators like AT, Telecel, and MTN to “purchase bulk data without upgrading towers or equipment, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs.”
Dr. Anokye expressed optimism, stating, “Data prices are expected to go down, especially again with the NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access. Now AT, Telecel, and even MTN, will just buy bulk; they don’t have to upgrade towers or 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.”
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
