Today's Bulletin: February 8, 2025

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Filter by Categories
Africacom
AfricaCom 2024
AI
Apps
Apps
Banking
Broadcast
CABSAT
Cabsat
Cloud
Column
Content
Corona
DTT
eCommerce
Editorial
Education
Entertainment
Events
Fintech
Fixed
Gitex
Gitex Africa
GSMA Cape Town
Healthcare
IBC
Industry Voices
Infrastructure
IoT
MNVO Nation Africa
Mobile
Mobile Payments
Music
MWC Barcelona
MWC Barcelona 2025
MWC Kigali
News
Online
Opinion Piece
Q&A
Satellite
Security
Software
Startups
Streaming
Technology
TechTalks
TechTalkThursday
Telecoms
Utilities
Video Interview
Follow us

Ghana Implements Technology Neutrality to Boost Non-SMP Telcos’ 4G Rollout

July 20, 2023
2 min read
Author: Aayushya Ranjan

The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has implemented technology neutrality to foster fair competition among telecom operators and enable non-Significant Market Power (SMP) companies to deploy 4G networks without hefty licensing fees. Traditionally, technology neutrality allowed the use of all spectrum for either GSM or CDMA networks. However, under the new regime, non-SMP telcos like Vodafone and AT Ghana can repurpose their existing spectrum slots in the 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 2100MHz bands for 4G rollout, paying an annual premium to NCA instead of the traditional licensing fee.

In a statement on the NCA’s website, this approach is identified as one of the measures to address concerns related to Significant Market Power, with the objective of establishing a level playing field and encouraging infrastructure investment for 4G network deployment by non-SMP operators. By allowing non-SMP players to utilize their existing spectrum for 4G services, the NCA aims to boost consumer choice and stimulate investment in the telecommunications sector.

The move is seen as a significant step in correcting market imbalances and fostering a more competitive environment in Ghana’s telecom industry. With technology neutrality in place, non-SMP operators can now leverage their resources to enhance connectivity and offer advanced 4G services to consumers without facing the same licensing costs that SMP operators like MTN previously incurred. This is expected to promote innovation, expansion, and improved services in the country’s rapidly evolving telecommunications market.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get the latest industry insights right in your inbox!

Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!