Embrace internet calls- Minister tells telcos

quist 07:34 - 12 May 2016

The minister advised telcos calling for a restriction on the use of new technology to rather learn to take advantage of them to expand their businesses.

Telecommunication companies operating in the country must desist from opposing the proliferation of new technology, Deputy Communications Minister, Ato Sarpong has instructed.

“As government and as regulators, I don’t think it is our responsibility to regulate technology and how it affects the lives of people”.

“We believe that it is the responsibility of Mobile Network Operators] and regulators to take advantage of new technologies as we are doing”, he said.

Mr. Sarpong’s comments come in the wake of public outcry following a publication by the National Communication Authority (NCA) that it had received a petition from the telcos calling for a restriction on international voice calls transacted via the internet such as Whatsapp.

The NCA on May 11 issued a statement diffusing some claims making the round in the media that it is considering the petition by the telcos.

The telcos regulator argued it is yet to take a decision on the petition and assured Ghanaians that any decision taken would be in the interest of the nation.