Public Information:Concerns on Data Pricing and SMP

July 21, 2024: The National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken note of some public concerns, especially on social media, regarding high internet data pricing, and the declaration of MTN as a Significant Market Power (SMP). The NCA understands the concerns of consumers.

As the regulatory authority for the communications sector, the NCA is entrusted with the responsibility of upholding fair competition and safeguarding consumer interests within the telecommunications industry. Therefore, the classification of MTN as an SMP aligns with the NCA’s mission and fulfils its mandate.

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 operators to compete effectively, offer sustainable pricing, and invest in improving service quality.

Furthermore, 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. (https://nca.org.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Cost-of-1GB-of-Data-in-Ghana.pdf ).

The NCA wishes to assure consumers that it will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure reliable internet access.