Technology Analyst, Maximus Ametorgoh, has expressed concern over the country’s handling of the recent internet disruptions.
He pointed out that the situation is causing financial losses for both the telecommunications networks and their subscribers.
Since Thursday, March 14, Mobile Network Operations (MNOs) have been disrupted, resulting in many Ghanaians being left without internet connections.
In an Eyewitness News interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM on Monday, Mr Ametorgoh stated that “I am not sure we have handled it well because the telcos are losing money. The users and the subscribers of their services are also losing money.
“We can’t say we are in a good place because everybody is struggling to get back online and running with their business or whatever they do online.”
Meanwhile, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced that the government will promptly license satellite firms to serve as a backup for mobile network operators, following the disruption in their services.
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful disclosed this plan while updating Parliament on the situation in Accra on Monday.
“With regard to the use of satellite as an alternative, it is important to note that the bandwidth of a satellite backup for network operators cannot replace the capacity that has been lost due to the outage. Satellite backup for consumers is more feasible.
“However, the cost is relatively much higher than the terrestrial solutions. Immediate initiatives that the government will undertake are that we will license satellite gateway air stations, London rights, and satellite air station networks. One web has already been licensed.
“Starlink is in the process of being licensed, and other operators are being encouraged to land in Ghana. We must also invest in operationalizing RASCOM, the regional African satellite company instead of each company of each country going it alone.”
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