The National Communication Authority (NCA), in response to public concerns over exorbitant data rates and subpar services, has promised that data prices will drop by the end of the year.
This announcement comes in the wake of intense criticism and requests for the NCA board to be dissolved, in part because MTN is classified as a Significant Market Power (SMP), which some claim has resulted in an expensive and unstable data supply.
The SMP categorization is intended to encourage fair competition, not impede MTN’s business activities, as the NCA stated.
The Authority clarified that policies that promote competition, innovation, and consumer protection include tariff parity, technological neutrality, and uneven interconnection prices.
Dr. Joe Anokye, the Director General of NCA, stated on Citi FM that data rates will probably decrease with the introduction of the NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access network.
This network, expected to be launched by the last quarter of the year, will enable 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, saying, “Data prices are expected to go down, especially again with the NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access. Now AT, Telecel, and even MTN will 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.”