The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has urged telecommunication companies to improve their quality of service or face sanctions.

This follows the approval and allocation of additional spectrum to mobile network operators to enhance connectivity and service delivery as a result of several complaints about poor service by almost all the network providers in the country.

“I wish to serve notice that the NCA will, within three months of the assignment of this additional spectrum, begin a rigorous enforcement of quality of service by the providers.

“Failure to provide a marked improvement in quality of service by the network operators will result in stiff fines,” Mr George added.

The minister was speaking at a press conference in Accra last Wednesday to elaborate on key initiatives and developments within his sector.

Affordable data

Mr George, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, also said that the government was focused on ensuring affordable data for consumers, which he described as essential for digital inclusion.

In light of that, he said a data cost-pricing committee, established in February this year, had produced a roadmap for more cost-effective data pricing.

The committee’s report, the minister said, had been referred to the NCA, which had engaged with mobile network operators to create tailored data bundles for students, content creators and e-economy users.

Additionally, special data packages for all subscribers will be available on five national holidays - Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders Day and Farmers Day.

SIM registration

On the upcoming SIM Registration and Central Equipment Identity Register, the minister said the process would be a seamless and technology-driven exercise, which would be convenient to the public.

He said citizens would not have to endure long queues or abandon work to register their SIMs as the exercise would be human-centred and efficient.

“Once more, I make a firm pledge that people will not be saddled with having to abandon work and queue for long hours to register their SIMs.

“The process would be human-centred and technology-driven. This registration is critical for our collective security as a nation,” Mr George said.

He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to support the process.

Legislation

Mr George also highlighted the ongoing review of outdated laws that no longer serve the evolving business environment.

Many of those laws, he said, were decades old and, therefore, hindered progress in today’s fast-paced economy.

In line with that, he said a Startup Bill was being introduced to support entrepreneurship through tax incentives, simplification of regulatory frameworks and improvement in access to funding for new businesses.

The minister further explained the rationale behind the government’s decision to end the Common Monetary Platform Contract with KelniGVG, citing concerns over its effectiveness.

On measures to curtail misinformation and disinformation, he said that the government had instructed the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) to enhance digital surveillance and also collaborate with security agencies in their activities.

Mr George said a specialised legislation would be introduced in Parliament to establish a clear legal framework for law enforcement.