By Francis Ntow/Ebenezer Annan
Accra, June 10, GNA – Subscribers are to enjoy more value on data bundles, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025, as Mr Samuel Nartey George, Sector Minister, directs all three mobile telecommunication networks to increase their offerings.
Mr. Sam George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations directed AT and Telecel (government owned), to increase their data bundles by 10 per cent, and MTN Ghana, to increase theirs by 15 per cent.
He gave the directive at a media briefing on Tuesday, June 10, in Accra, explaining that the month-long period for implementation was to allow the telcos to recalibrate their systems to reflect the new adjustments.
MTN would reinstate its GHS399 data bundle for 214 gigabytes (instead of the previous 92.88 gig for GHS350), AT’s GHS400 data bundle would increase to 236 gigabytes from 195 gig, and Telecel’s GHS400 data bundle increased from 90 gig to 250 gig.
This comes following the recommendation of a 23-member Data Pricing Review Committee, who developed a roadmap for implementation, having identified value, pricing, and quality as issues for resolution in the sector.
Special data bundle solutions were curated for tertiary students and content creators, which had been extended to subscribers of all three telcos across the country, effective, July 1, the minister stated.
He admitted the rippling cost effect of the directive, noting that there had been engagements with the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the telcos to ensure a balance between enhancing value for Ghanaian consumers and addressing operational challenges.
Mr. Sam George expressed appreciation to the telcos for the gesture, saying: “To the CEOs, you have my back. We have pledged our continued fidelity to the people of Ghana who are the customers of the telephone.”
He directed the sector regulator, National Communications Authority (NCA), to monitor the operators to ensure strict implementation of the directive, and report breaches for sanctions to be applied.
On measures to ensure more affordable data for individuals and businesses alike, Mr. Sam Geroge said the ministry was waiting for approval for the rationalisation of some components in the tax build up in the sector from the Finance Minister.
He also spoke about discussions with the Minister of Energy and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to secure a telecom tariff, similar to that in the mining sector.
“If we are able to have a proper rationalisation of the taxes, we should see a drop in the almost 39 per cent tax build up in the price of data in the country,” the Minister said.
“We need intense competition in the sector, but it must be healthy and sustainable. I am committed to value other data bundle offerings and most importantly, this policy action will culminate in price reductions in the medium to long-term,” he stated.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong