5G service to be rolled out in Ghana on November 1 – Communications Minister

• Posted on October 10, 2024October 10, 2024
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has announced that all is set for the 5G service to be rolled out from November 1, 2024.

The Minister disclosed this during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Show with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Wednesday October 2, 2024.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful noted that the necessary structures have been put in place for the service to commence.

Government had earlier announced that the 5G service will be rolled out by the end of this year.

What is 5G service?

5G service has been described as the Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology, which offers higher internet speed, higher upload and download speed, with more consistent connections and improved capacity.

5G networks run on the same radio frequencies as their predecessors, 3G, 4G and 4G LTE networks, which previously served most mobile phones worldwide.

However, improvements in speed, latency and bandwidth give 5G networks shorter download and upload times, stronger connectivity and better reliability, making them the natural successor to 4G technology.

It is said to be 10 times faster than the 4 G Plus service.

Government on 5G roll out

In an earlier engagement, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful revealed that government has partnered with seven industry players to establish a shared infrastructure for 5G services with the aim of delivering affordable and high-speed mobile broadband services across Ghana.

During a Meet-to-the Press engagement earlier this year, she revealed that the 5G service is expected to bring numerous benefits to Ghanaians, including faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity.

This will enable citizens to access digital services, including healthcare, education, and financial services, more efficiently and effectively.

5G service provision and consortium of companies

Government has awarded the 5G license to The Next Gen InfraCo NGIC’s, a new shared Infrastructure Company, co-promoted by the government and seven other firms.

This new shared infrastructure, according to government is aimed at delivering affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana.

The partners include Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.