MTN Ghana has renewed its call for the country’s fibre infrastructure to be treated as critical national security infrastructure, revealing that road construction activities continue to cause more than 300 fibre cuts every month, disrupting internet and communication services across the country.
Speaking during the “Bright Conversations with Richard Acheampong” event, organised as part of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the company’s Chief Home Officer, Richard Acheampong, said protecting telecommunications infrastructure has become increasingly important as Ghana’s digital economy expands.
He explained that MTN currently provides home internet services to approximately 250,000 households nationwide through its fibre broadband network, Yellow Home and the former Turbonet service. Of these, about 180,000 customers are connected through fibre infrastructure alone.
Mr. Acheampong noted that the National Communications Authority (NCA) and other regulators have played a significant role in the company’s growth by ensuring access to spectrum, providing regulatory guidance and supporting pricing frameworks that balance business sustainability with consumer interests.
“Everything we do is enabled by our regulators. They provide the right spectrum, guidance and support that allow us to deliver quality services to customers,” he said.
He also highlighted MTN’s growing collaboration with private sector partners in deploying digital infrastructure and developing innovative digital solutions that support businesses and content creators across Ghana.
Road Construction Remains a Major Challenge
Despite these collaborations, Mr. Acheampong identified road construction projects as one of the biggest threats to telecommunications infrastructure.
According to him, MTN records over 300 fibre cuts every month, largely resulting from ongoing road works.
He explained that the company works closely with road contractors before construction begins to identify and protect fibre routes. MTN has also invested in resilient network architecture that allows traffic to be rerouted whenever fibre lines are damaged, minimising service interruptions.
“We are engaging contractors ahead of road construction to map where our fibre cables are located so they can be protected. We are also building resilience into our network so that when one route is affected, another can maintain service,” he stated.
Mr. Acheampong stressed that prolonged internet disruptions would have serious consequences for businesses, financial transactions, education, healthcare and other essential services.
“As a country, we need to recognise telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure. If internet services were unavailable for just two hours, every Ghanaian would feel the impact,” he said.
He disclosed that MTN is working with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation and other stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at protecting fibre infrastructure nationwide.
Balancing Affordability with Value
Addressing concerns about internet pricing, Mr. Acheampong acknowledged the economic pressures facing consumers but argued that customers should also consider the value derived from reliable internet connectivity.
He noted that MTN currently offers free fibre installation, with customer premises equipment provided at no additional cost, while recent pricing adjustments have introduced speed-based packages starting from GH¢299 for 100 Mbps.
According to him, home internet should increasingly be viewed as an essential utility, similar to electricity and water.
“Our focus is to ensure customers receive value. If the service is not meeting expectations, that’s the conversation we want to have. We continue to make affordability a priority while investing in better quality services,” he said.
Addressing Customer Concerns
Responding to concerns about inconsistent internet speeds and network congestion in some communities, Mr. Acheampong assured customers that MTN continuously monitors network performance and investigates complaints individually.
He said the company works to maintain its service standards and deploys targeted interventions whenever network performance falls below expected levels.
On complaints about disappearing airtime or data bundles, he advised customers to contact MTN’s customer service through 111, where each complaint is investigated individually to determine the cause and provide appropriate resolutions.
Mr. Acheampong reiterated MTN Ghana’s commitment to improving customer experience through continuous investment in infrastructure, innovation and collaboration with regulators, government agencies and private sector partners.
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Source: Alhaji Ibrahim/ATLFMNEWS
