Gov’t to make rural telephony services cheaper by first quarter of 2027 – Sam George

The Government plans to reduce telephony costs in rural areas ahead of the first quarter of 2027, according to Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George. The Ministry is collaborating with the National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), and mobile network operators to reassess charging structures and ensure rural subscribers can utilize their voice and data bundles.

During a visit to rural telephony sites in Akwapim South District and Koforidua, George highlighted that rural areas often lack the economic capacity of urban regions, yet experience higher costs for calls and data services. The government aims to reverse the current policy, which charges customers directly when they connect to rural telephony sites instead of using their purchased bundles.

The Ministry is also aiming to upgrade rural telephony sites to accommodate at least 4G technology, as it believes providing only 2G and 3G services is outdated in light of the world's shift towards 5G and beyond. Mobile network operators MTN and Telecel are currently expanding their cell-site infrastructure in Ghana, with MTN planning to deploy 800 sites and Telecel 350.

By the end of 2027, it is expected that nearly 400 of MTN's 800 sites will be operational, all by the first or second quarter of 2027. The government has allocated GH¢30 million this year for rural telephony, equivalent to nearly US$3 million, with US$400,000 reserved for urgent repairs at 20 sites. Approximately 1,400 rural telephony sites are currently in use, with 300 completed sites awaiting connection to donor sites.

Communities are urged to support the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure to improve connectivity.