Data prices likely to reduce by end of 2024 – NCA

The National Communication Authority (NCA) has assured the public that data prices will decrease by the last quarter of the year, addressing concerns over high data costs and poor services.

This comes after widespread criticism and calls for the dissolution of the NCA board, partly due to MTN’s classification as a Significant Market Power (SMP), which some argue has led to unreliable data supply and high costs.

In a statement, the NCA clarified that the SMP classification aims to promote fair competition, not burden MTN’s operations.

The Authority explained that measures such as unbalanced interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality will foster competition, innovation, and consumer protection.

Speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM, the Director General of NCA, Dr. Joe Anokye, said data prices will likely decrease with the introduction of the NGIC wholesale carrier-neutral open access network.

This network, expected to be launched by the last quarter of the year, will enable operators like AT, Telecel, and MTN to purchase bulk data without upgrading towers or equipment, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs.

Dr Anokye expressed optimism, saying, “Data prices are expected to go down, especially again with the NGIC wholesale career neutral open access, now AT, now Telecel, even MTN, they will just buy bulk, they don’t have to upgrade towers, they don’t have to buy new equipment to provide 4G, another entity is doing that.

“They are supposed to launch by the last quarter of the year, and going from there we begin adding more towers. I think we should be hopeful.”