Ghana Opts for Shared Infrastructure Model to Deliver 4G and 5G Services

Ghana has taken a unique approach to deploying 5G technology by opting not to auction 5G spectrum. Instead, the country intends to establish a “neutral shared infrastructure company” to provide widespread 4G and 5G services across the nation.

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, revealed this innovative strategy at the African Peering and Interconnection Forum’s twelfth edition held in Accra. The ministry has received approval to create the neutral shared infrastructure.

We’ll be working with network operators and private investors to set up a 4G and 5G network as well, so we are not going to be auctioning 5G, we are giving it to these networks so that all operators can use it and extend it to about 80% of the population.

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalisation

The minister emphasized that a consortium of network operators and private investors will collaborate to offer nationwide 4G and 5G services, as confirmed by conference organizers.

This pioneering approach aligns with Ghana’s objective of expanding services to rural areas and advancing its digital transformation agenda. Owusu-Ekuful also disclosed that the government has granted approval for the introduction of two new submarine cables, aimed at enhancing accessible and affordable Internet connectivity.