The National Communications Authority (NCA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Licence Amendment to Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC), signalling its intention to remove the 5G exclusivity clause contained in the company’s licence.
The action, taken pursuant to Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), forms part of measures the Authority says are aimed at promoting competition and enhancing service delivery in the telecommunications sector.
In a statement, the NCA said the proposed amendment was in the public interest and intended to encourage innovation, improve consumer choice, accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda, and ensure the efficient management of spectrum resources.
Per Section 14 of Act 775, the proposed amendment will take effect 90 days from the date of the notice, unless a contrary determination is made following any representations submitted by the licensee within the statutory period.
The Authority assured the public that due process was being followed and that the action was consistent with its mandate to regulate the communications industry in a transparent and nationally beneficial manner.
In a related development, the NCA disclosed that NGIC had so far installed 49 Fifth Generation (5G) sites across the country. The distribution of the sites is as follows: Greater Accra Region – 43, Ashanti Region – 2, Western Region – 1, Northern Region – 1, Bono Region – 1, and Central Region – 1.
The Authority further noted that NGIC was currently in default of an instalment under its licence fee payment schedule.
It said the matter was being handled in line with the applicable licence conditions and relevant statutory provisions.
The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a regulatory environment that supports sustainable investment, fosters competition, and drives growth within Ghana’s communications sector.
