The National Communications Authority (NCA) has issued a notice of proposed licence amendment to Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC) that would remove the company’s 5G exclusivity clause, opening the door for greater competition in Ghana’s next-generation mobile services market.
In a press release issued Tuesday, the regulator said the action is being taken pursuant to Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). If approved, the amendment will take effect 90 days from the date of the notice, unless otherwise determined after consideration of any representations made by NGIC within the statutory notice period.
According to the NCA, the proposed amendment is in the public interest and aims to promote competition and innovation in the provision of 5G services, enhance consumer choice and service quality, accelerate nationwide digital transformation, and ensure the optimal and efficient use of spectrum as a national resource.
“The proposed amendment follows due process and is consistent with the Authority’s mandate to regulate communications services in a manner that safeguards the national interest,” the statement said.
The move signals a significant shift in Ghana’s 5G policy landscape. NGIC had previously been granted exclusivity to roll out 5G infrastructure, positioning it as the central wholesale provider of the technology. The removal of that clause could allow other licensed operators to deploy 5G services directly, potentially intensifying competition in the high-speed data market.
The NCA also disclosed that NGIC has so far installed 49 5G sites across the country. Of these, 43 are located in the Greater Accra Region, with two in the Ashanti Region and one site each in the Western, Northern, Bono and Central regions.
However, the regulator noted that NGIC is in default of its licence fee instalment payment under the Schedule of Licence Fee Payments forming part of its licence conditions. The Authority said it is addressing the matter in accordance with applicable licence conditions and statutory provisions.
Industry analysts say the twin developments — the proposed end to exclusivity and the disclosure of payment default — could reshape the competitive dynamics of Ghana’s telecommunications sector in the months ahead.
The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, fair and predictable regulation to ensure sustainable investment, competition and growth in Ghana’s communications sector.
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