In an interview with Citi Breakfasta local morning radio show in Ghana, the Minister of Communications and Digitization, Ursula Owusuanswered a number of questions including the recent 5G public network infrastructure agreement signed with Next-Gen Smart Infraco as well as other topics such as Surfline Launches 5G in Ghana and taxation of social networks in Ghana
5G deployment and roadmap
According to the minister, the operation of the 5G service is to be launched in September. Including all major telcos Telecel, AT Ghana, and MTN expected to offer 5G services to their customers.
In addition, the minister stated that in their agreement with Next Gen Infraco they are waiting 5G coverage 80%. in Ghana over the next three years.
MTN is not exempt from public 5G network infrastructure
Asked about MTN’s participation (or lack thereof) in the recent 5G public infrastructure talks, the minister said MTN will be involved in participating in the public network infrastructure for 5G and discussions are nearing completion.
In addition, all telecom networks will have equity in the public 5G network if they choose to participate.
The current list of companies announced in the initial announcement to participate in the public 5G infrastructure was Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.
Surfline, other 4G providers are confirmed to have dropped out
In May 2023, Surfline Ghana seemingly abruptly shut down services in Ghana. The shutdown was rumored to be attributed to high operating costs and debts the company could not pay to its suppliers and other service providers.
The minister confirmed that the company was closed and started to liquidate its assets.
Asked whether consumers who had bought services from Surfline before it closed would be compensated, the minister said the company would likely first settle its outstanding debts to vendors and tower operators before finally compensating consumers.
Unfortunately, the timing of this reimbursement is uncertain.
Taxation of social media companies
The minister answered questions on the issue of international social networking companies and the issue of taxation.
The minister reiterated her position that the companies including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTokit should pay taxes to leverage local network services like MTN and Telecel.
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