Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has responded to growing public concerns about high internet data pricing and the recent classification of MTN as a Significant Market Power (SMP). These concerns have been especially vocal on social media platforms. 
In a press release issued on Sunday, the <a href="https://nca.org.gh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCA</a>, established by an Act of Parliament in December 1996, which has since been replaced by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), acknowledged the grievances of consumers and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding fair competition and safeguarding consumer interests within the telecommunications sector. 
“The NCA has taken note of some public concerns,” the statement began, emphasising that the authority’s role is to ensure a balanced market environment. 
The NCA clarified that the SMP classification for MTN is not a punitive measure but rather a strategic effort to maintain a level playing field. 
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 Ghana responds to public concerns on data pricing and MTN’s SMP status
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“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,” the release stated. 
To achieve this, the NCA says it has implemented several measures designed to foster competition and innovation while protecting consumer interests. These include asymmetric interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality. 
“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,” the statement read. 
These initiatives are intended to enable other operators to compete effectively, offer sustainable pricing, and invest in improving service quality. 
The NCA also referenced a report from cable.co.uk, which was reviewed as part of their regular Billing Monitoring exercise. 
The report places <a href="https://technext24.com/2024/07/19/investor-donald-ward-ghanaian-3000-loan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ghana</a> third in Africa for the lowest mobile internet data costs and second in the West African region. The NCA highlighted this to reassure consumers about the country’s competitive data pricing landscape. 
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“Data from a report published by cable.co.uk, and reviewed by the Authority as part of a regular Billing Monitoring exercise, ranked Ghana 3rd in Africa as the country with the cheapest cost pricing for mobile internet data and 2nd in the West African Region,” the NCA noted. 
The Authority concluded by reassuring the public of its continued efforts to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure reliable and affordable internet access. 
“The NCA wishes to assure consumers that it will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure reliable internet access,” the statement concluded. 
<h4 id="background-to-the-story" class="wp-block-heading">Background to the story</h4> 
In a report by <a href="https://www.modernghana.com/news/1328926/mobile-data-price-in-ghana-third-cheapest-in-afric.html#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modern Ghana</a>, over the past week, citizens have taken to social media to voice out their data pricing concerns and how NCA forced MTN to increase tariffs. 
In another <a href="https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghanas-telecom-market-nca-to-regulate-tariff-charges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>, the NCA accused MTN of violating SMP rules by offering lower-priced data bundles compared to competitors. This was reported to raise concerns about predatory pricing to stifle competition. 
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The report mentioned that the NCA had published draft guidelines for public comment. 
Highlights: 
<ul> 
 <li>Preventing undercutting:&nbsp;Significant Market Power or dominant operators will be prohibited from offering the lowest prices for any service, preventing them from squeezing out competitors.</li> 
 <li>Capping price advantage:&nbsp;Significant Market Power or dominant operator prices cannot exceed those of other operators by more than 10%, ensuring fair competition and preventing exploitation of its dominant position.</li> 
 <li>Prior NCA approval:&nbsp;Significant Market Power or dominant operator must seek NCA approval before changing tariffs, allowing for assessment of potential impact on other operators.</li> 
 <li>Limited price increases for others:&nbsp;Non-SMP operators can adjust prices without prior approval but require NCA authorisation if their proposed price exceeds Significant Market Power or dominant operator.</li> 
</ul> 
The NCA also allowed Ghanaians to drop their comments on data pricing.

Ghana telco authority responds to public concerns on data pricing, explains MTN’s SMP status

Technext.ng

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