The National Communications Authority (NCA) is encountering significant criticism on social media regarding high internet data prices.
The issue resurfaced over the weekend when an X user posted about MTN being designated as a Significant Market Power (SMP), attributing the high data costs to this designation.
This sparked numerous complaints on social media about the cost of internet data in the country, prompting the NCA to address the public’s concerns.
In a statement released on July 21, the NCA explained that designating MTN as a Significant Market Power (SMP) is meant to ensure fair competition within the telecommunications industry, rather than to restrict MTN’s operations.
“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 pointed to a cable.co.uk publication that ranked Ghana 3rd in Africa for having the lowest mobile internet data prices. The NCA noted that the report also ranked Ghana 2nd in the West African region.
