This week, Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA) addressed public concerns, particularly on social media, regarding internet data pricing and the recent classification of MTN as a Significant Market Power (SMP).
The NCA acknowledges consumer frustration and emphasizes its commitment to fair competition and protecting consumer interests. This aligns with their decision to classify MTN as an SMP. MTN 's dominant position in the telecom industry translates to holding a substantial share of the market.
New Regulations for a Level-Playing Field
The NCA has outlined new regulations to promote competition and innovation in the market. These regulations include:
- Tariff Parity: This prevents SMPs from offering consistently lower prices compared to other operators.
- Price Caps: SMPs cannot increase prices by more than 10% compared to competitors. Price changes also require NCA approval.
- Non-SMP Flexibility: Non-SMP operators have more freedom to adjust prices. However, significant price increases still require NCA authorization.
Promoting Innovation and Consumer Choice
The NCA believes these measures will create a more balanced market. With fair pricing, other operators can invest in service quality and compete more effectively, ultimately benefiting consumers with more options and potentially lower prices.
Despite concerns, a report referenced by the NCA ranks Ghana as the 3rd cheapest country in Africa for mobile internet data and 2nd within the West African region https://nca.org.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Cost-of-1GB-of-Data-in-Ghana.pdf
The NCA assures consumers that they will continue collaborating with stakeholders to ensure reliable internet access for all Ghanaians
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