Member of Parliament for Bunkpurugu Constituency, Abed-Nego Bandim,
The attention of my office and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has been drawn to a press statement issued by the National Communications Authority (NCA) dated 7u December 2023 with the subject mentioned above.
As a member of the Parliament’s Communications Committee, I feel it necessary to respond.
CONTEXT
Starlink, the world’s largest satellite network, uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet, supporting activities such as streaming, online gaming and video calling.
Through state-of-the-art satellites and user equipment, combined with extensive expertise in space technology and operations, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, who needs no introduction, delivers fast and responsive internet access to users worldwide.
For example, Starlink has played a major role in the Russia-Ukraine war. Independent analysts can use Starlink’s technology to track which party is committing war crimes in real time and in precise locations.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) is clearly several generations behind tracking such cutting edge satellite technology. Even if Starlink is fully operational in Ghana as reported, or is set to begin operations in April 2024 as reported, does the NCA have the capacity to monitor such operations? The same applies to other companies with similar technologies like Starlink’s or non-GPS technology that could be operating within Ghanaian territorial space silently without the knowledge of the NCA.
In other words, it is possible for Starlink to operate satellite systems well above and beyond Ghanaian airspace, but in compliance with international law. Some authoritative sources say that Starlink is already operating in Ghana with internet speed of up to 100 Mbps.
Regular mobile network operators such as MTN, Vodafone and AirtelTiGo use terrestrial systems such as broadband technology and place masts across the country for mobile and data services.
EFFECTS
Based on this context, my take on the matter is as follows:
An Authority like the NCA should be empowered to stamp its authority within its jurisdiction on anything that goes wrong within its mandate. Is it possible that ordinary people and election observers can use Starlink services to monitor real-time movement of ballot boxes and pink slips so as to ensure free, fair and transparent elections without aggression and controversy?
SENTENCES/FORWARDS
1. It is not sufficient to issue statements to notify and warn the general public of Starlink’s activities. In the NCA instant press release that has gone viral, common people in rural areas where rural telephony is lacking are said to be using Starlink’s services to carry on with their lives. Therefore, Starlink should be brought to the negotiating table with the aim of getting their affairs in order. After all, what is wrong with making a phone call or using the internet to prepare class notes in the Nakpanduri/Bunkpurugu rural area of ​​my constituency – if it is available from any source? Accordingly, the national security implications of this case cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, the NCA needs to wake up now and become more proactive than reactive.
2. I further suggest that the NCA should work with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) to identify companies operating in ICT early.
3. The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), on the other hand, should also assist through tax audit of companies in the ICT sector. the NCA cannot afford to lose licenses and other regulatory fees as a result of illegal activities within the ICT space.
4. Starlink has been in orbit since 2019, a four-year period when the NCA has gone belly up and only looks at the stars. Even worse, their press release failed to accurately address the instant Starlink dilemma.
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