This section features background information and resources relevant to the current research theme. It includes resources produced by WDR and external sources and is organised by regions and topics. An archive of resources recommended in previous research cycles is also available along with news from the WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News Service.
Ghana: Government to Issue National Fixed Wireless License Print E-mail
Friday, 28 November 2008

Ghana’s telecommunications regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), has decided to issue a national license for the provision of Fixed Wireless Service.

By issuing the license, the NCA hopes to: enhance competition, accelerate the bridging of the urban-rural opportunity divides in employment, income and taxes, accelerate the attainment of universal service/access, and to meet government mandates per the National Telecommunications Policy 2005.

The winning bidder for the national license will be selected using a combination of a beauty contest and negotiation. The following six groups have submitted unsolicited applications and have been short-listed to participate in the beauty contest: Afritel Ghana, Newland Teletel, Omniacom, Skidlab Ventures, Slemco Company and Visafone Communications.

In addition to the license, the prospective winner could acquire, at the prevailing market rate, an International Gateway Licence. The Gateway License will be offered subject to achieving minimum penetration of 1% (based on year-end 2007 population estimate), and attaining national coverage, defined as the presence of infrastructure in all regional capitals.

The NCA plans to complete the proceedings for the awarding of the license by the end of November.

Source: National Communications Authority (Ghana) press release - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News.