Ghana’s internet data one of the cheapest in Africa — NCA on data tariff concerns

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has sought to address public concerns about rising mobile data prices in Ghana.

The regulator highlighted a recent study ranking the country as one of the most affordable in Africa.

In a July 21 press release, the NCA acknowledged "public concerns, especially on social media, regarding high internet data pricing."

This comes amid the growing #DissolveNCAboard campaign voicing frustration over cost increases.

However, the regulator noted findings from cable.co.uk's report, which was reviewed as part of its "regular Billing Monitoring exercise."

According to the NCA, this report "ranked Ghana 3rd in Africa as the country with the cheapest cost pricing for mobile internet data and 2nd in the West African Region."

NCA further stated: "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."

Meanwhile, in their frustration, netizens blame the June 2020 NCA’s move to declare MTN Ghana as having Significant Market Power (SMP) as the reason for the price hike.

At the time, the regulator found that the company controlled over 75% of voice, data, SMS, mobile money, and revenue share in Ghana’s telecom industry.

As a result, netizens claim the NCA instructed MTN to avoid having the lowest tariffs for any electronic communication services, aiming to make MTN less attractive to consumers.

This, they say is what led to MTN increasing prices across its services, causing widespread customer dissatisfaction.