More data for same price from July 1 - Sam George assures
Ghanaians will, from July 1, enjoy more data for the same price as part of sweeping reforms announced yesterday by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George.
The minister explained that engagements with the country’s three major mobile network operators — Scancom (MTN), Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel), and AirtelTigo (AT) — had resulted in a 10 to 15 per cent increase in data bundle values without any price adjustments.
“From July 1, all data bundles will see at least a 10 per cent increase in value. For instance, the GH¢ 400 bundle currently offering 195 GB will now deliver 236 GB. Another package, which now gives 90 gigabytes for GH¢ 400, will increase to 250 GB,” he said.
Mr George, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, disclosed this to the media and telecom stakeholders at a press conference in Accra.
Different percentages
Mr George clarified that while all three mobile network operators had agreed to increase the value of their data bundles at no extra cost, two of them — Telecel and AirtelTigo — will implement a 10 per cent increase across their data offerings.
MTN, on the other hand, will introduce a 15 per cent increase, which he explained was due to its designation as a Significant Market Power (SMP).
He said that due to MTN’s dominant market share, steeper changes were necessary to rebalance the sector and promote fair competition.
The minister acknowledged that this differentiation was reached through consensus during engagements with the CEOs and reflected efforts to bring value to consumers while addressing structural market imbalances.
Mr George expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the CEOs of MTN, Telecel and AirtelTigo for their willingness to absorb the cost of the increased data bundle values without passing it on to consumers, acknowledging that the decision to offer more data at the same prices would come at a considerable financial cost to the operators.
Policy on price
The lawmaker stressed that while he could not dictate pricing in a free market, policy actions could significantly influence affordability.
He cited examples of past decisions that indirectly led to price hikes, such as the forward collection of the Communications Service Tax and the declaration of MTN as a Significant Market Power (SMP).
He argued that those decisions lacked proper implementation and contributed to price distortions and quality of service issues.
He acknowledged that the telecom sector was in “a state of comatose” when he assumed office four months ago, pointing to the collapse of multiple operators and the weakening of existing ones.
He recalled that a data pricing review committee was set up in his first month in office.
The committee focused on three key pillars: value, pricing and quality, leading to increased value at the same price.
Enforcement, service
Mr George also announced that the National Communications Authority (NCA) had been tasked with enforcing the new bundle changes from July 1 and will sanction any operator that fails to comply.
The NCA will also begin quarterly billing integrity assessments to verify fair data billing practices.
To enhance service quality, Mr George revealed that the three major telcos had committed to investing approximately $150 million into network upgrades before the end of the year.
“I am committed to value-added data offerings that will culminate in price reductions in the medium to long term. But let’s be honest — reversing eight years of mismanagement cannot be done in four months,” he stated.
The minister assured the public of ongoing engagement with the ministries of Finance and Energy to rationalise telecom taxes and electricity tariffs for the sector, which he said would further reduce data costs.
