Telcos to implement new changes to data bundles effective July 1 – Sam George

The Minister of Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has said that through engagements, the telcos will be implementing new changes on data bundles effective July.

The measures are “Airtel Tigo Ghana – 10% increase on all data offerings, Telecel – 10% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network, MTN – 15% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network.”

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, he said that he cannot, single-handedly, order telecom companies to reduce data prices.

“The Minister cannot unilaterally order telcos to reduce data prices”, he said. “I’m committed to an engagement-led style of leadership,” he said. He added, “The recovery of 8 years of mismanagement can’t be completed in four months.

He further cautioned that telecommunications companies that fail to implement the increase in data packages will face sanctions.

“I am aware these increases are going to come at considerable cost to them,” he noted.

“The implementation date of July 1 is to allow the networks to recalibrate and reconfigure their system to reflect the agreed-upon values.

“The regulator, the NCA, will ensure they monitor the strict implementation of this directive on the 1stof July. Where failure is applied, sanction is applied,” Sam George warned.