Telecom Companies have unanimously condemned what they say has been government’s imposition of a surcharge on incoming international calls.
The telcos say the practice is in breach of International Telecommunications Laws, the ECOWAS Treaty and the West African Union Treaty.
These sentiments were captured in a communiqué issued by the West African Telecommunications Conference held in Dakar last month.
The telcos are worried government’s actions could result in a general increase in tariffs and this, they say, will adversely affect both local consumers and the diaspora and could further widen the digital divide.
They argue that the surcharge significantly increases the cost of settlement fees, fraud and a reduction in incoming international traffic culminating in less revenue for both government and the telcos.
Ever since it was introduced, they say they have suffered concrete and measurable harm. The communiqué is demanding that all countries that have imposed such a system or who propose to impose it notably Ghana, Guinea and Congo, review their actions in the interest of citizens.
They also recommend that operators in the sub region cease all commercial relationships with any firm involved in the imposition of such a surcharge system.
The statement is endorsed by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
The telcos are also condemning allegations that operators make false declarations of traffic and/or are directly involved in the proliferation of SIM boxes reaffirming that they remain committed to fight the illegal practice.
None of the telcos are however willing to comment beyond the statement.
Meanwhile Communications Minister Haruna Iddrissu says there is no turning back as far as efforts to rid the Telecom industry of fraud are concerned.
Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Damongo: NDC youth allegedly shuts down community mechanised borehole
20 minutes -
Mahama vows to uncap NHIS levy in upcoming budget
21 minutes -
‘God is telling you to lead through difficult times’, says Rev. Wengam to Mahama
24 minutes -
Appiah-Kubi calls on Mahama to review 60-Minister pledge if governance requires
25 minutes -
Aklerh makes a ‘Mash Up’ move
33 minutes -
No business as usual – Mahama warns appointees
41 minutes -
Mr P.O.P: Message from the Morning Man by Kojo Yankson
42 minutes -
True peace stems from justice, not the lack of conflict – Duncan-Williams
44 minutes -
One dead, student rider injured in a crash at Assin Andoe
45 minutes -
Have a long term plan and financial solution for Ghana’s energy sector to permanently get rid of “dumsor”.
50 minutes -
Ghana to commission first NuScale small modular reactor simulator training centre in Africa
51 minutes -
FirstBank celebrates year-end thanksgiving service at Victory Bible Church
1 hour -
FirstBank’s 2024 Graduate Trainees give back to the community: A day of learning and sharing at Mount Zion Presby Model Primary School
1 hour -
Fire destroys hundreds of shops in Techiman Central Market, traders left in despair
1 hour -
Apple board pushes against diversity rollback call
1 hour