Telecommunications market of GhanaPhone Cards, Calling Cards |
| Ghana was amongst the first countries in Africa to achieve connection to the Internet. The rapid growth in this sector in recent years is set to continue in 2006. National and international public data services are provided by more than 20 companies and there are more than 50 VSAT networks operating in the country. Almost 100 new Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were licensed in 2004 alone, bringing the total to more than 140. Broadband ADSL services were introduced in 2003. The government is committed to continuing the privatisation of the national carrier, Ghana Telecom, as well as the fibre network of Voltacom, the country’s electricity company. The full legalisation of VoIP telephony and the implementation of Broadband over Powerlines (BPL, PLC) are other key developments expected in 2006. |
| Ghana is one of only a few African countries with a vastly liberalised telecom market. It led the way in telecommunications liberalisation and deregulation in Africa when it privatised Ghana Telecom in 1996. The two national operators (Ghana Telecom and Westel) held a duopoly on international service until February 2002. The expiry of the duopoly has paved the way for the licensing of more operators, promotion of competition and improved efficiency. Four mobile operators are competing for customers. Following disagreements with the current stakeholder, Ghana Telecom will be looking for a new strategic investor and float part of its equity on the local stock market, and ailing Westel may be up for sale soon. |
| Since launching the first cellular mobile network in sub-Saharan Africa in 1992, Ghana has become one of the continent’s most vibrant mobile markets with four competing operators and more than three million subscribers in early 2006. And yet, at a market penetration of only around 15%, enormous further potential exists in the provision of basic voice services as well as Internet access through the mobile networks, given the country’s poorly developed fixed-line infrastructure. The government is committed to continuing the privatisation of Ghana Telecom, and the ailing second national operator (SNO) Westel, which also holds a mobile licence, may be up for sale soon. This report contains an overview of Ghana’s mobile market, relevant statistics, profiles of the major players, and also a brief overview of the country’s broadcasting industry. |
| With two national operators, a third regional operator and four mobile networks, annual growth has been impressive in Ghana’s telecoms markets, notably in the mobile sector where the number of lines exceeds fixed lines by around 10:1. However, at a combined teledensitiy of little more than 15% and an Internet user penetration of less than 2%, enormous further potential exists. This report contains key statistics and scenario forecasts for the country’s fixed-line, mobile and Internet markets for the years 2010 and 2015. |
| Ghana Phone Cards |