Joe Anokye
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed all mobile network operators in the country to disregard a notice from Subah Info Solutions requesting data purportedly to be used in anti-Sim Box field operations.
According to the Authority, Subah does not have the legal right to request data for that purpose.
Subah Info Solutions has requested some mobile network operators to submit call detail records of some mobile station international subscriber directory numbers claimed to be SIM Box numbers.
However, NCA, in a statement, warned the telcos against sharing any information with Subah in relation to SIM Box field operations.
“Dealing or sharing any information in relation to SIM Box field operations with Subah thus violates the Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775),” it indicated.
The statement pointed out that NCA is the only institution with the obligation to ensure that no person or entity operates in the telecommunications sphere without authorization or licence from it (NCA).
Subah has a contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance monitoring from the telcos.
Contract Extension
It would be recalled that in December last year the erstwhile NDC government extended its contract with Subah for the monitoring of revenues generated by telecommunication companies in the country to ensure adequate payment of taxes.
A letter dated December 1, 2016 and signed by former Commissioner-General, Ghana Revenue Authority, George Blankson, indicated that (former) Finance Minister Seth Terkper, had given his approval to that effect.
“We wish to inform you that Subah Info Solutions Ghana Limited has been granted approval to continue its role of monitoring revenue from the telecommunication companies on behalf of the Ghana Revenue Authority,” the letter stated.
Mr. Blankson entreated officials of the telcos to therefore grant access to Messrs Subah Info Solutions Ghana Limited to their physical network nodes in accordance with the Communications Service Tax (Amendment) Act, 2013 (Act 864).
Afriwave’s Contract
However, the NCA under the NDC government in early 2016 signed another contract with Afriwave Telcom Limited to monitor international calls which Subah Info Solutions was already engaged to do, creating role duplications.
By Cephas Larbi
