Data prices likely to reduce by end of 2024 – NCA

The National Communication Authority (NCA) has informed the public that data prices will fall by the fourth quarter of this year, addressing complaints about excessive data costs and poor performance.

This follows strong criticism and calls for the NCA board's resignation, owing in part to MTN's categorization as a Significant Market Power (SMP), which some believe has resulted in unstable data supply and exorbitant costs.

In a statement, the NCA underlined that the SMP categorization is intended to encourage fair competition rather than restrict MTN's operations.

The Authority stated that policies such as uneven interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality will promote competition, innovation, and consumer protection.

Dr. Joe Anokye, Director General of NCA, stated on Citi FM's Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu that the introduction of the NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access network will likely result in lower data pricing.

This network, which is projected to be operational by the fourth quarter of the year, will allow carriers such as AT, Telecel, and MTN to purchase bulk data without updating towers or equipment, resulting in increased efficiency and lower costs.

Dr. Anokye expressed optimism, saying, "Data prices are expected to come down, especially with the NGIC wholesale career neutral open access, now AT, now Telecel, even MTN, they will just buy bulk, they don't have to upgrade towers, they don't have to 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.”

Source: Lead News Online 

Florence Kyei