Flagbearer of the governing NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says he is hopeful that data charges might drop in the coming days following the arrival of Starlink.
The Elon Musk-owned Space X’s satellite service, Starlink has been officially approved by the National Communication Authority (NCA) to begin operations in Ghana by the end of this week.
The Vice President is optimistic that the arrival of this internet data provider will help to drive the cost of data downward enhancing digitization and internet penetration.
Dr. Bawumia who was speaking at a media engagement event following his manifesto launch explained that the advent of Starlink will enhance competition in the internet service provision industry in Ghana hence potentially driving down the cost of data.
The flagbearer who was answering a query on his plans to reduce the cost of data admitted that given his agenda of a digital economy, affordable data cost is non-negotiable. He further added that his government if elected would ensure that the allocation of spectrum would be carried in a manner that ensures inclusivity and low-cost data.
“We need to bring down the cost of data. Thankfully, Starlink is coming in at the end of this month. I am hoping that the competitiveness will come. But I have also said that in our allocation of spectrum future, we need to focus more on inclusion and bringing down the cost of data. So it is something that we are willing to pay attention to in the context of building this digital economy,” Dr. Bawumia indicated.
He further reiterated his commitment to accelerate his digital economy by making mobile phones accessible through his plan of exempting the importation of phones from import duties.
He noted, “This is also why we are trying to bring down the cost of devices like the mobile phones as we build this digital state we are talking about because we want to take off the import duties on the mobile phone.”
Despite the optimism of the Vice President with the arrival of Starlink, there are already concerns about the cost of Starlink’s service in other African countries. For instance, in Nigeria, an initial setup cost for Starling is about US$314[equivalent to GH¢ 4,875] accompanied by a monthly subscription fee of US$27 [equivalent to GH¢ 419].
