"Government, Telcos Must Work To Reduce Internet Costs" – Mahama

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has urged the Akufo-Addo government and telecommunication companies to work towards reducing the internet challenges of consumers amid the covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has led to a partial lockdown of some hotspot areas in the country as well as the indefinite closure of schools and public gathering ban.

Due to this, a lot of schools have tried to move classes online whilst a number of professionals have taken to working from home to ensure social distancing.

Speaking on the matter, Mr. Mahama argued that some relief on internet expenditure was in order.

“This has drastically increased their expenditure on internet usage to the extent to the extent that some can no longer cope. Indeed there are reports of several students being unable to complete online lectures because their data run out. Several people are also working from home.”

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As a solution, Mr. Mahama urged government to assure the telcos of a free six months extension of licenses to motivate them to reduce the cost of internet.

“This value can be applied to cushion consumers during this three-month period,” he noted

The former president suggested that telcos can also be compensated with funds from the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), “which already has the mandate to ensure universal access to telecommunication.”

“Furthermore, the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) should leverage its robust broadband infrastructure…to meet the increased demand for wireless and fixed broadband in these COVID-19 times.”

Mr. Mahama further reiterated calls for the removal of the 50 percent increase in the Communications Service Tax which he said: “will provide further relief for the many who are having to work or stay at home at this time.”