Minister for Communications Assures Ghanaians on 5G Affordability and Data Security
The adoption of a shared network model for the rollout of 5G, according to the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, is to ensure that 5G connectivity is affordably expanded across the country.
The 5G shared network, the Minister noted, allows operators to deliver high-speed internet services without incurring the substantial capital costs of infrastructure development, which the government expects will keep 5G services within the reach of ordinary Ghanaians.
Under the shared network model, mobile network operators the Minister posited, will lease capacity from Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) thereby sharing network operational costs rather than each investing in separate builds.
Further stating that the move aims to spread costs more equitably and reduce service prices for users, while also ensuring nationwide rollout beyond commercially viable urban centres.
“Affordability of the 5G network is another reason why we chose the shared network model, the network operators are the ones who will be delivering or transmitting the service to their subscribers and they do not have to worry about the capital expenditure costs of actually building the network, because it has already been built.
“All they need to worry about is their operating expenditure, and so that in itself should be able to deliver cost savings to the end-user who is the subscriber,” she remarked.
Adding that, the NCA is working with NGIC to ensure a broad selection of 5G packages tailored to varying levels of usage and affordability for Ghanaians.
“The 5G network is built and designed with international best practices in mind because we know the dangers of unbridled access to these protocols. So data protection, cybersecurity and network security are embedded in it. And just as our usage of 4G is secure, so is the 5G,” she averred.
Ghana today, November 1, 2024, launched its much-anticipated 5G network.
The fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G, promises significantly higher internet speeds, faster data transfers, and improved network reliability compared to previous generations.
It is expected to deliver up to 10 times the speed of 4G Plus services, marking a major upgrade in connectivity. Enhanced capacity and lower latency will enable faster downloads and more consistent performance across industries.
The initiative, designed to provide affordable high-speed mobile broadband across Ghana, is expected to drive digital transformation, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and financial services.
The 5G license has been awarded to Next Gen InfraCo NGIC, a newly created shared infrastructure company co-promoted by the government and a consortium of firms, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.
The collaborative effort is expected to deliver cost-effective 5G services across the country, ensuring broader access to next-generation mobile connectivity.
