By: Nana Appiah
Acquaye
The
National Communications Authority (NCA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Licence
Amendment to Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC) under Section 14 of the Electronic
Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), seeking to remove the 5G exclusivity clause
in the company’s licence.
According to the Authority, the proposed amendment is
intended to promote competition and innovation in the provision of 5G services,
enhance consumer choice and service quality, accelerate nationwide digital
transformation, and ensure the optimal and efficient use of spectrum as a
national resource.
In line with Section 14 of Act 775,
the amendment will take effect ninety days from the date of the notice unless
otherwise determined after consideration of any representations made by NGIC
within the statutory notice period. The NCA stated that the action follows due
process and aligns with its mandate to regulate communications services in the
national interest.
The Authority also disclosed that
NGIC has deployed 49 operational 5G sites across the country, including 43 in
the Greater Accra Region, two in the Ashanti Region, and one each in the
Western, Northern, Bono and Central regions.
In a related matter, the NCA
indicated that NGIC is in default of a licence fee instalment payment under the
Schedule of Licence Fee Payments forming part of its licence conditions. The
Authority said it is addressing the issue in accordance with applicable licence
conditions and statutory provisions.
The NCA
reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, fair and predictable regulation to
support sustainable investment, competition and growth in Ghana’s
communications sector.
