The newly elected president of Internet Society Ghana (ISOC), Maud Ashong Elliot, has voiced concerns over data pricing and accessibility in Ghana during an interview with The High Street Journal. Internet affordability remains a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
With a clear mandate to advocate for a more inclusive digital space, Madam Ashong indicated the multifaceted nature of data pricing and its implications on underserved communities.
She explained that data pricing by telecom companies is influenced by three primary factors: the cost of infrastructure, market demand, and competition. These elements, she said, drive fluctuations in data costs, prompting providers to introduce diverse subscription plans such as daily, weekly, monthly, and unlimited packages.
Promotions and special offers are also utilized to attract new users, she also added.
However, she acknowledged that while the telecom industry operates for profit, there is a pressing need to balance profitability with social responsibility. “It’s not everybody who can afford the kind of pricing mechanism that has been put in place,” she stated, stressing the importance of addressing affordability. Internet affordability is crucial for societal development.
The new ISOC Ghana president, therefore, called for robust policies and regulations to ensure internet services are both accessible and affordable, particularly in underserved areas.
She stated clearly the government’s role as a key stakeholder in promoting internet access. “Policies like tax incentives and subsidies can significantly reduce the cost of data, enabling telecom companies to extend their services to marginalized communities. This can significantly enhance internet affordability,” she said.
She proposed the implementation of a National Digital Inclusion Strategy as a crucial step, with internet affordability identified as a catalyst for economic growth.
One innovative solution championed by ISOC Ghana she said, is the promotion of community networks. These are locally managed internet systems tailored to the specific needs of communities.
“Community networks empower people to control their content while preserving their cultural identity,” Madam Ashong noted.
She pointed out to Kenya’s successful implementation of community networks as an inspiring model, advocating for their expansion in Ghana’s rural areas.
She also mentioned the need for public education on efficient data usage while observing that the advent of social media often leads to inefficient data consumption, detracting from its potential for learning and development.
“We need to educate people on how to use their data efficiently, especially for productive purposes, to improve internet affordability,” she urged.
Additionally, she advocated for the adoption of technologies and devices that minimize data consumption, stressing the importance of fostering digital literacy across the nation.
Madam Ashong stressed the importance of partnerships among government, telecom companies, civil society organizations, and international bodies. Collaboration is vital to bridging the digital divide, fostering innovation, and promoting internet safety and security.
“As a nation, we must invest in research and development to ensure that the technology we adopt is eco-friendly and tailored to our needs,” she stated.
Madam Ashong also reaffirmed ISOC Ghana’s commitment to advocating for internet access as a fundamental human right. “The internet is no longer a luxury; it is a basic necessity for education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and national development,” she said.
Through policy advocacy, research, and community engagement, she said ISOC Ghana aims to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to affordable, secure, and inclusive internet services, thereby improving overall internet affordability.
