Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has sent a strong message to mobile network operators, warning that persistent poor service will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, April 9, the Minister unveiled a raft of policy decisions aimed at improving the country’s telecommunications sector, which continues to draw widespread criticism from consumers.
“I have noted several complaints about the quality of service of almost all the network providers in the country,” Sam George told journalists.
His remarks follow growing frustration among Ghanaians over unreliable mobile and internet services provided by major telecom companies.
In a significant policy shift, the Minister announced the approval of technology neutrality for MTN Ghana, a move that allows the company to deploy its spectrum more flexibly across various generations of network technology.
In addition, he disclosed that the National Communications Authority (NCA) has been authorized to assign additional spectrum to both MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
“I have taken decisive policy to approve technology neutrality for MTN and additional spectrum for MTN Ghana,” he said. “I have also directed the NCA to make an additional spectrum offer to Telecel Ghana.”
These developments, according to the Minister, are designed to give telecom providers the tools they need to significantly enhance their network capacity and coverage.
“This will provide operators with more resources to improve their service offerings and quality of services,” he explained.
But the incentives come with a stern warning.
Sam George said that the regulatory leniency will not follow the spectrum allocations.
He emphasized that the NCA would begin a three-month countdown from the date of assignment to enforce strict quality of service standards.
“I wish to serve notice that the NCA will, within three months of the assignment of this additional spectrum, begin a rigorous enforcement of quality of service on the providers,” he cautioned.
Failure to meet the improved standards, the Minister warned, will result in stiff fines.
“Failure to provide an improvement and quality of service by the network operators will result in stiff fines,” he declared.
