Ghana launches 5G network that promises high-speed connectivity and nationwide access.
Today, November 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone as the government officially launches 5G high-speed internet service at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. The President, Nana Akufo-Addo, is set to announce the launch, ushering in a new level of internet connectivity and speed that promises to benefit both urban and rural areas.
5G, known as the Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology, offers vastly improved internet speeds, lower delay, faster download and upload times, and increased capacity, transforming how Ghanaians connect to digital services. The new technology operates on the same radio frequencies as previous generations, like 3G and 4G LTE, but boasts enhancements that make it ten times faster than 4G Plus.
In earlier discussions, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, explained that the government has joined forces with seven key industry players to build shared infrastructure for the rollout of 5G services. This collaboration aims to provide affordable, high-speed broadband services throughout Ghana, enhancing access to essential digital resources in education, healthcare, and financial services.
The government awarded the 5G license to The Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a new infrastructure company co-promoted by the government and seven private-sector partners. The company’s partners include Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana. This consortium will facilitate the deployment of affordable 5G services nationwide.
During the launch event, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful underscored the government’s commitment to data security as 5G becomes available across Ghana. “Data privacy and security are critical components of our digital strategy. We are implementing stringent data protection protocols aligned with international standards to safeguard user information,” she stated, explaining that end-to-end encryption and advanced cybersecurity measures would be integral to the network’s protection.
Addressing concerns about accessibility, the Minister highlighted that the government plans to make 5G services more affordable in rural areas by subsidizing infrastructure costs. To this end, the government, with the help of partners, will deploy satellite and wireless solutions to reach these underserved communities.
“We are committed to ensuring that 5G benefits all Ghanaians, regardless of their location. As part of our rural inclusion strategy, we’ve developed an initiative to subsidise infrastructure costs in underserved areas,” the Minister said. The initiative will be supported through the Universal Service Fund, managed by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), to prioritize connectivity projects in rural areas.
The government is also working closely with telecom providers to create affordable 5G data plans that cater to various needs and budgets. Public-private partnerships are being explored to keep consumer costs low, aiming to make high-speed internet accessible to everyone, including small enterprises, students, and low-income households.
“Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem where high-speed connectivity is within the reach of everyone,” said Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful.
