Users of the services of Telecel Ghana will have to pay more as the company announced a review of its internet prices and data services. The telecom network operators stated on August 10, 2024, that the upward adjustments aimed to enhance the reliability and quality of internet service across the country.
Complaints about poor network has been rampant in recent weeks across almost all the telecommunication service providers with promises by the operators to remedy the situation.
Telecom tariff increases have become a pressing issue in Ghana, driven by several economic factors. The depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, and rising operational costs have forced telecom companies, including MTN, AirtelTigo, and now Telecel, to revise their prices to maintain service quality and profitability.
The rising cost of goods and services have increased the costs of maintaining telecommunication infrastructure, while the weakening cedi has made importing essential equipment more expensive. Additionally, the costs of operating telecommunication networks—such as electricity, fuel, and maintenance—have escalated, compelling companies to pass some of these expenses onto consumers through higher tariffs.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has come under fire in recent weeks with calls for the Board of the Authority to be dissolved. The authority however says it has been involved in discussions to ensure that tariff adjustments are justified and remain within regulated limits. Despite regulatory oversight, the economic challenges have made these price increases unavoidable.
As a result, consumers are now facing higher costs for mobile data, voice calls, and other services. These increases have raised concerns about affordability, particularly among low-income users who depend heavily on mobile services for communication and internet access. While telecom companies argue that these hikes are necessary to sustain operations in a challenging economic environment, they continue to face scrutiny from both consumers and regulators. This is particularly because many are now hooked onto these services for work, entertainment and social networking.
