Data bundles to increase from July 1 as telecom companies respond to Ghanaian govt push
Data bundles to increase from July 1 as telecom companies respond to Ghanaian govt push
Data bundles to increase from July 1 as telecom companies respond to Ghanaian govt push
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read
Telecommunication companies in Ghana are set to increase the amount of data allocated to bundle packages beginning July 1, 2025. This follows new directives announced by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, June 10, the minister confirmed that AirtelTigo (AT), Telecel, and MTN will all revise their bundle offers upwards. Customers of AT and Telecel can expect data increments exceeding 10%, while MTN users will benefit from a 15% increase in data allocation.
Specifically, AT’s GHC400 bundle will now offer 236GB instead of the current 195GB. Telecel users will receive 250GB of data for the same amount, up from 190GB. MTN, which had discontinued its GHC399 bundle, will reintroduce the package and offer 214GB of data. Meanwhile, the current GHC350 offer of 92.88GB will be scrapped.
These changes come as part of a broader effort by the ministry to lower data costs and improve value for money. Earlier in the year, a committee established in February developed a roadmap to drive these reforms, with the target of reducing data prices significantly by the end of 2025.
The initiative comes on the heels of public criticism directed at Sam George for the perceived delay in implementing lower data costs following his appointment. Responding to those concerns, the minister said:
“Look, we are dealing with 8 years of the distortion of the market. I wish I could fix it arbitrarily. But it takes a very calculated attempt not to create further distortions by acting irrationally.”
As part of broader reforms, the ministry has also negotiated discounted data bundles for five key national holidays. These are Independence Day (March 6), May Day (May 1), Republic Day (July 1), Founders’ Day (August 4), and Farmers’ Day (first Friday of December). Though the original plan targeted all 18 public holidays, it was scaled back due to resistance from telecom companies.
Discounted data was first introduced during Independence Day this year, followed by May Day, and the same is expected on the remaining three holidays.
In addition to pricing reforms, Mr George announced regulatory measures aimed at improving service delivery. He stated that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) who fail to meet national service quality benchmarks will face financial penalties.
“Forty percent of the fines imposed on telecom companies that fail to provide quality services will be used to provide data or call-time bonuses to affected customers,” he disclosed.
A nationwide quality-of-service assessment covering all district capitals is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. The National Communications Authority (NCA) will oversee the evaluation, and the government has promised “decisive action” if the results indicate poor service performance.
Regarding the ongoing spectrum rollout, the minister emphasized urgency, stating:
“The Ghanaian people must feel the impact by the end of this year. We know you can’t complete upgrades in three months, but we must see that the process has begun.”
Representatives of the telecom companies also shared progress made in improving service delivery.
MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett said the company had invested $230 million in 2024 to enhance its network and IT infrastructure. This includes opening 300 new franchise outlets, hiring 400 additional staff, and launching new self-service tools for SIM swaps and PIN resets.
Telecel Ghana’s COO Mohamad Ghaddar highlighted the company’s extensive retail presence, noting over 400 existing shops with 100 more on the way. He reiterated Telecel’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration with regulators.
AT’s CEO Leo Skarlatos revealed that ongoing network enhancements are expected to yield visible improvements by the first quarter of 2026.
These developments signal a renewed effort by both government and telecom operators to address long-standing complaints around data affordability and service quality in Ghana’s digital space.
