The National Communications Authority (NCA) is facing a series of criticisms from social media users over high internet data pricing.
The subject of high cost of data resurfaced on social media over the weekend after an X user posted about MTN being declared a Significant Market Power (SMP) which he claimed accounts for MTN’s high cost of data.
This has since led to several rants on social media with many lamenting the cost of internet data in the country prompting the NCA to respond to the public concerns.
In a statement issued on July 21, NCA said explained that its classification of MTN as an SMP is not to stifle MTN’s operations rather uphold fair competition in the telecommunications industry.
“It is important to note that the SMP classification is not intended to punish or stifle MTN’s operations but rather to ensure a level playing field in the market and protect consumer choice.
“By implementing measures such as asymmetric interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality, the NCA aims to promote competition, encourage innovation, and protect consumers’ interests. These measures enable other operations to compete effectively, offer sustainable pricing, and invest in improving service quality,” the statement said.
The Authority also cited a publication by cable.co.uk which claimed that Ghana ranked 3rd in Africa as countries with cheapest cost of pricing for mobile internet data.
The NCA said the report which it reviewed also ranked Ghana 2nd in the West African region.
Public Information: Concerns on Data Pricing and SMP https://t.co/ukhjY9sCGK pic.twitter.com/hVC1N3cgoN
— NCA Ghana (@NCAGhana) July 22, 2024
