The government is implementing a National Roaming Policy to allow network operators to share infrastructure, improving mobile coverage and benefiting consumers. Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful announced this at a recent event in Accra, highlighting the policy’s aim to enhance mobile connectivity nationwide.
The government of Ghana is in the process of implementing a National Roaming Policy that will facilitate network operators in utilizing each other’s infrastructure. This policy is designed to enable telecommunication networks to roam on each other’s networks as needed, ultimately leading to improved services and benefits for consumers. During the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day event in Accra, Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, announced this initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance mobile connectivity and accessibility across the country.
The implementation of a National Roaming Policy is underway, enabling networks to seamlessly roam on each other’s network as needed to enhance consumer benefits. This policy aims to improve connectivity and ensure a more seamless experience for consumers by allowing networks to access each other’s infrastructure when necessary.
The National Roaming Policy will ensure that your phone picks up the strongest signal, regardless of the network operator you use, providing a seamless experience. Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful expressed optimism that this policy will help bridge connectivity gaps, particularly in underserved areas, ultimately improving mobile coverage across the country.
The implementation of the national roaming framework coincides with the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide by connecting the 20% of Ghanaians who are currently without internet access and digital services. Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, which involves the construction of 2,016 new cell sites across the country, with more than half already completed. She further announced plans to build an additional 1,006 cell sites by September of this year to complement the existing 1,010 sites.
Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful emphasized that the implementation of these initiatives will provide the opportunity for the approximately 20% of the population currently without internet access to benefit from digital innovations. She also stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies and regulators involved in overseeing the digital ecosystem, highlighting the interdependence of digital technology on various entities working together. The minister urged for a more cohesive approach to development, emphasizing the need to move away from siloed strategies in order to effectively advance digital connectivity and services in the country.
The National Roaming Policy is a key component of the government’s Digital Ghana agenda, which seeks to promote digitalization across all sectors through innovation, infrastructure investments, skills development, and a supportive regulatory environment. This comprehensive approach aims to drive digital transformation and enhance connectivity nationwide.
Director General of the NCA, Mr. Joe Anokye, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to create conditions that support digital entrepreneurship, embrace emerging technologies, foster sustainable digital innovation, empower innovators, and promote economic growth. This collective approach will help to build a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both businesses and consumers.
Mr. Anokye emphasized the global importance of digital innovation, stating that collective efforts are essential to drive progress in this area. The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) event, organized by the NCA under the theme “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development,” served as a platform for stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and development partners to come together. The event aimed to facilitate discussions on leveraging technology and innovation to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the role of digital solutions in achieving sustainable development on a global scale.