Recent social media uproar in Ghana over rising mobile data prices, particularly on MTN Ghana, has sparked debates rooted in the country’s regulatory framework to prevent monopolies in the telecom industry.
A report by cable.co.uk ranked Ghana’s mobile internet prices as the 33rd lowest globally and the third lowest in Africa, at $0.40 per 1GB. This has prompted scepticism among users who have experienced successive price hikes despite perceived deteriorating service quality across major telecom providers.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) designated MTN Ghana as having Significant Market Power (SMP) in 2020, citing its dominant market share in voice, SMS, data, and mobile money services. This move aimed to curb monopolistic tendencies and ensure fair competition in the sector, aligning with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) guidelines.
Since then, the NCA has implemented measures including price controls, asymmetrical interconnect rates favouring smaller operators, and mandates on pricing transparency. These actions seek to foster a competitive landscape where consumers can benefit from diverse service options and affordable tariffs.
Critics argue that despite these measures, smaller telcos like AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana (formerly AirtelTigo) have struggled to compete effectively, losing market share and revenue while MTN continues to dominate.
Amid ongoing scrutiny, questions persist over the efficacy of SMP regulations in achieving their intended outcomes. Concerns also arise regarding the role of independent tower companies like ATC Ghana, formerly affiliated with MTN, in potentially favouring the SMP over smaller competitors.
As Ghana navigates these challenges, stakeholders emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and ongoing regulatory oversight to maintain a balanced telecom market that serves the interests of all consumers.
At the time of this report, efforts to obtain comment from MTN Ghana and the NCA regarding recent developments were unsuccessful.
