rapporteur’s report · 2018-09-08 · 3.2.3 presentation by dr. osei darkwa 15 3.2.4 panel...

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International SymposiumLa Palm Royal Beach Hotel

Accra, Ghana

18th to 19th July, 2016

RAPPORTEUR’S REPORT

THE ROLE OF REGULATIONS IN ICT DEVELOPMENT

National Communications Authority, Plot No. 6, Airport City, KIAP. O. Box CT 1568, Cantonments - Accra

NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY

Theme:

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Rapporteur’s ReportInternational Symposium La Palm Royal Beach Hotel - Accra, Ghana18th to 19th July, 2016

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary 1

2 Opening Session 2

2.1 Welcome Remarks by the Director General of NCA 3 2.2 Opening Remarks by the Board Chairman of NCA 3 2.3 Keynote Address by the Honorable Minister of Communications, Republic of Ghana 4 2.4 Remarks by Area Representative for West Africa, ITU 5

3 Day One – Monday July 18, 2016 6 3.1 Session One 6 3.1.1 Presentation by Professor Jason Whalley 6 3.1.2 Presentation by Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel 7 3.1.3 Presentation by Mr. Samuel Acquah Bartels 11 3.1.4 Panel Discussion 11 3.1.5 Rapporteur’s Observation 13

3.2 Session Two 14 3.2.1 Presentation by Mr. Nowshard Yehiya 14 3.2.2 Presentation by Dr. Roxanna Barrantes Caceres 14 3.2.3 Presentation by Dr. Osei Darkwa 15 3.2.4 Panel Discussion 16 3.2.5 General Comments 16 3.2.6 Rapporteur’s Observation 17

3.3 Session Three 18 3.3.1 Presentation by Mr. Francois Van Zyl 18 3.3.2 Presentation By Mr. Kwaku Sakyi Addo 19 3.3.3 Presentation By Mr. Michael Takyi-Agyei 19 3.3.4 Panel Discussion 19

Theme: THE ROLE OF REGULATIONS IN ICT DEVELOPMENT

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International Symposium on Role of Regulations in ICT DevelopmentLa Palm Royal Beach Hotel - Accra, Ghana | 18th to 19th July, 2016

Rapporteur’s Report

4 Day Two- Tuesday, July 19, 2016 21

4.1 Session Four 21 4.1.1 Presentation by Mr. Omar Bouhali 21 4.1.2 Presentation by Dr. Mark Jamison 22 4.1.3 Presentation by Dr. Martin Koyabe 23 4.1.4 Panel Discussion 23 4.2 Session Five 25 4.2.1 Presentation by Mr. Scott Minehane 25 4.2.2 Presentation by Mr. Mohammed Rufai 26 4.2.3 PresentationbyMr.ErnestObengYarfi 26 4.2.4 Panel Discussion 27 4.2.5 Rapporteur’s Observation 27

4.3 Session Six 28 4.3.1 Presentation by Mr. G.T. Mohammed 28 4.3.2 Presentation by Mr. Peter Djarkwah 28 4.3.3 Panel Discussion 30 4.3.4 General Comments 30

5 Closing Session 30 5.1 Closing Remarks by Board Chairman, NCA 30

5.2 Closing Remarks, Area Representative for West Africa, ITU 31

6 Abbreviations 33

7 Fun Trip 33

8 List of Participants 35

9 Rapporteurs 37

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARYA two-day International Symposium on The Role of Regulation in ICT Development was organised by the National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana on the 18th and 19th July, 2016 at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

The main objectives of the symposium was to create the platform for telecommunications policy-makers, telecommunications regulators, user groups, experts and industry players to exchange information and experiences on the issue of ICT deployment, as well as the global development of ICT trends.

Other organisations, which co-sponsored the symposium, were MTN, Vodafone, Airtel, Afriwave, Citi FM, GTV and Graphic Communications.

The symposium drew a wide array of participants from the public, private, business and civil society sectors in Africa and beyond. In all, 18 presentations were made, and 6 panel discussion sessions were held.

ThefirstdayofthesymposiumwitnessedtheopeningceremonywithaddressesbyMr.WilliamTevieand Mr. Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, Director General and Board Chairman of the National Communications Authority respectively, Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, Deputy Minister for Communication and Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel, Area Representative of the ITU.

Aftertheopeningremarks,three(3)sessionswithnine(9)presentationsweremadeonthefirstday. Each session had three (3) presentations followed by a panel discussion.The second day also had three (3) sessions and eight (8) presentations were made.

Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel, Area Representative of ITU for West Africa expressed his gratitude on behalf of ITU for the initiative taken by NCA to open discussion on OTT and IoT in the sub region.

He indicated that, the two-day symposium had been good occasion for NCA to make an introspection of its achievements and envisage the future with serenity; it had also given a good opportunity to all attendees to share experience on technologies development, on their challenges, and how to address them.

Mrs. Badu, Director, Consumer & Corporate Affairs, NCA interacting with some speakers at the event.

Some participants registering prior to the commencement of the symposium

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He assured all participants that ITU remain their partner and friend and shall continue to address the aforementioned topics with their participation and support to ITU organized programs.

The symposium was climaxed with a trip to Kakum National Park and Cape Coast Slave Castle. Twenty seven (27) people registered for the trip comprising eight (8) foreigners and Nineteen (19) Nationals.

2 OPENING SESSIONMr. Edmund Fianko, Principal Manager of the National Communications Authority in his introductory remarks expressed his gratitude to the Ghanaian government and the National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana, for the superb involvement in the organization of the historic International Symposium. He also acknowledged MTN, Vodafone, Airtel, Afriwave, Citi FM, GTV and Graphic Communications for their sponsorships towards the organisation of the event.The Master of Ceremony (MC), Mr. Edmund

Fianko introducing the panel for the opening session

The panel for the opening session set to kick off the International Symposium

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2.1 Welcome remarks by Director General of NCA

The Director General of National Communications Authority, in the person of Mr. William Tevie, expressed gratitude for the marvelous attendance to the historic event by the Authority. He was confidentthatthesymposiumwouldnotonlybeforthe celebration of the 20th anniversary of the NCA but would also foster discussions that will enhance partnerships and enable the exchanging of ideas on best practices that will guide the role of regulators in various countries.

He noted that the NCA since its inception in 1996, is currently represented in seven other regions with the aim of decentralizing its regulatory ambit to all stakeholders in the regions.

Mr. Tevie expressed appreciation to the men and women of the NCA, who through their relentless effortsandsacrificeswereensuringthatconsumersareprotectedandinformedinordertomakeappropriate choices, as well as providing necessary guidelines and parameters for all service providers.

Healsoappreciatedthefactthatparticipantsatthesymposiumwillbenefitfromthecontributionsfrom practitioners in the communications industry from Peru, UK, Nigeria and Australia.

In conclusion, he expressed his belief that the forum was only the beginning of bold steps to be taken by any other communications regulatory body on the continent to harness proactively the ICT domain for productive use by the people.

2.2 Opening remarks by the Board Chairman of NCA

Taking his turn, Mr. Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, Board Chairman of the National Communications Authority, gave an overview of the achievements the NCA have chalked over the last 20 years.

He mentioned some of these as the Billing Feedback System, which upon implementation has seen a drastic reduction in consumer complaints on billing issues. He noted that the Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization at their recent awards ceremony held in London awarded the NCA for the implementation of the Billing Feedback System as the best telecom innovative policy for the period under review.

Another achievement mentioned by Mr. Baffoe-Bonnie was the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability which empowers consumers to switch within ten minutes from one mobile network operator to another.

The Director General of the NCA, Mr. Tevie giving his welcome address

The Board Chairman of the NCA, Mr. Baffoe-Bonnie giving a speech at the opening session

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InGhana,theroleofICTisneededtofillthegapsforourruralcommunitieswherewelackrelevantinfrastructure such as medical staff, teachers, banking facilities and other business. He therefore noted that the NCA can be empowered to regulate communication between medical personnel in theruralareasandtheurbanareasaswellasfinancialtransactions.

Mr. Baffoe-Bonnie also spoke on the proliferation of OTT applications such as Whatsapp, Viber, Skype, imo etc for local and international calls. He noted that these have become issues of discontent amongst service providers whereas to consumers, these are joyful opportunities technology affords. Hehoweveradmittedthattheregulatorneededtoresolvetheimpendingissuesamicablytobenefitall stakeholders.

2.3 Keynote Address by the Honourable Minister for Communications, Republic of Ghana

In his address, the Honourable Deputy Minister for Communications, Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye who represented the Minister for Communications in the person of Honourable Dr. Edward Omane-Boamah, expressed satisfaction at the rate of technological innovation in the ICT sector in Ghana. He noted that now Ghana has realized 4G which is transforming public service delivery and innovation. Even though Ghana as a country is technology neutral, the Honourable Minister emphasized the need of ICT regulationtothebenefitofcitizens.

He further expatiated on the amended Electronic Communications Act to include the Interconnect ClearinghousetohelpthefightagainstSIMboxingandothercyberfraud.ICTsinaidingdevelopmentand growth of low income economies can serve as a threat to personal and national security, he stated.HehoweverelaboratedthepreparednessofGhanato fight this threatbymentioningtheestablishment of a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to help manage cyber-security threats.

The Honourable Minister indicated that at the end of May, 2016, statistics revealed that 36, 779,679 voice subscriptions representing a teledensity of 132.8% and a mobile data subscription of 27,704,624 represented 67.67% growth. He further expressed the enormous investments made by the Government to increase access and bridge the digital divide. He noted that the completion of theEasternCorridorFibreOpticNetworkwouldcomplementthein-landfibrestockinthecountryand improve communications services. He also stated that 120 LTE sites had been constructed to enhance public service delivery. Further to that, a total of 15 terabytes of submarine cables are landing at the shores of Ghana.

Hon. Ofosu-Kwakye stressed that the Ministry of Communications had constructed 21 enhanced Community Information Centers across the ten regions of Ghana to close the digital divide and acknowledged the massive investments and contributions made by the private sector to the growth of the ICT industry.

The keynote address being delivered by the Deputy Minister for Information, Hon. Felix Ofosu-Kwakye

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Added to this, he touched on the desire of the Government to achieve universal access and affordable telecommunications services in rural communities in Ghana indicating that the Ministry in collaboration with NCA are considering various approaches including that of domestic roaming. He was enthusiastic to learn about policies and regulations adopted in other jurisdictions which mightbeofimmensebenefit.

In conclusion, he expressed his gratitude to the NCA, the speakers, media, participants and all present for an insightful symposium.

2.4 Remarks by Area Representative for West Africa, ITU

Taking his turn, Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel thanked NCA for extending invitation to the ITU. He indicated that 20 years of championing the ICT development in Ghana indicates the maturity of the Authority.

He said the vision of NCA with regards to this symposium indicates the role the Authority plays to foster ICT development such as cloud computing, IoT among others to ensure ICT development across the country.

Mr. Badiel commended Ghana for Chairing Study Group 12 in ITU and playing rapporteur roles for 4 study questions and encouraged more participation to be up to speed to current trend such as Big Data and IoT.

Inconclusion,hestressedthatitistheaimofITUtoassistmembercountriesinthefightagainstcyber security. He indicated that about 27 countries including Ghana are being supported by ITU to set up cyber security systems.

Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel giving a speech at the opening session

Mr. Yehiya of CTO stressing a point to his colleague Mr. Koyabe

Mrs. Cynthia Lumor applauding a speaker after his presentation

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3 DAY ONE – MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016

3.1 Session One

The subject matter for the morning session of the symposium was Future of Telecommunications and expected impact on the Industry in Africa-[Internet of Things, Big Data, etc.].

This session was moderated by Mr. Albert E. Enninful, the Deputy Director General of the National Communications Authority.

The speakers for this session were:• Prof.JasonWhalley• Mr.AliDrissaBadiel• Mr.SamuelAcquahBartels

3.1.1 Presentation by Professor Jason Whalley

Prof. Jason Whalley, Professor of Digital Economy, Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University,gavethefirstpresentationontheChallenges and Opportunities of Internet of Things.

Professor Whalley in his presentation reiterated the reasons for regulators such as the NCA to know how to deal with the IoT.

He presented on some key points accordingly:• InternetofThings• Emergingbusinessmodels• DigitalEconomyScenarios• Hypeandpracticaldifficulties• InternetofthingsImpact• InternetofthingsChallenges.

In his presentation he explained that there would be an explosion in connectivity. This means that, so many devices will be connected and data will be uploaded to the extent that the internet will

Prof. Jason Whalley presenting his paper

Representatives of Tigo concerntrating on the presentation being made

Some participants listening attentively to the translated versions of the presentations

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experience a massive usage of data.

He further explained that, different business models will be used and industries will experience a revolution of businesses to enable more businesses employ different technologies.

Participants were further informed that, connectivity among businesses will be easy to depict Digital economy scenarios such as Smart metering system an example of which exist in the United Kingdom. Government agencies as well as stakeholders can also interconnect among themselves.

In conclusion, Prof. Whalley stressed on the importance, opportunities and challenges of the Internet of things. He indicated the far reaching impact of internet of things as well as policies and regulatory initiatives needed to facilitate its future growth and sustainability.

3.1.2 Presentation by Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel

Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel who presented on the theme Internet of Things meets big data gave the second presentation. The presenter admonished regulators to adhere to and adopt ITU standards with regards to IoT and Big data, touching on the work being done by ITU-T study group 13 on Future networks including cloud computing, mobile and next-generation networks.

He further touched on Heterogeneity and Incompleteness, Scale, Timeliness and Privacy as follows;

• Heterogeneity and Incompleteness - Data processed using big data technologies can miss some attributes or introduce noise in data transmission. Even after data cleaning and error correction, some incompleteness and some errors in data are likely to remain.

A cross section of participants at the symposium

Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel, ITU Area Representative for West Africa, sharing his knowledge on Internet of Things meets big data

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• Scale- Managing large and rapidly increasing volume of data is a challenging issue for data processing. In the past, the data scale challenge was mitigated by evolution of processing and storage resources. But now data volumes are scaling faster than resources evolve.

• Timeliness- Theacquisitionrateandtimeliness,toeffectivelyfindelementsinlimitedtimethatmeetaspecifiedcriterioninalargedataset,arenewchallengesfacedbydataprocessing.

• Privacy- Data about human individuals, such as demographic information, internet activities, commutation patterns, social interactions, energy or water consumption, are being collected and analysed for different purposes. Big data technologies and services are challenged to protect personal identities and sensitive attributes of data throughout the whole data processing.

Mr.AliDrissaBadielalsogavethedefinitionof‘bigdata’whichisbigdata:aparadigmforenablingthecollection, storage, management, analysis and visualization, potentially under real-time constraints, of extensive datasets with heterogeneous characteristics.

Note 1-Paradigmisusedheretoexpressthenecessitytofindnewapproachestoaddressidentifiedissues and phenomena.

In furtherance, he gave ITU’s roles of big data eco system where there is the Data Provider, Big data Service Provider and big data service consumer.

• DataProviderfindsthedatasupplierwhilethedatasupplieralsofindsthedatabrokerwhichboth does the publishing of the data. The big data also searches for the data broker and then the big data service consumer accesses the data from the big data service provider upon request.

Mr. Badiel gave the requirements and capabilities of cloud computing based on big data which are Data collection

Participants attentively listening to a presentation

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i. Data pre-processingii. Data storageiii. Data analysisiv. Data visualizationv. Data managementvi. Data security and protection

Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel concluded his presentation by giving surveys of IoT and big data as well as brief statistics of IoT and Data challenges.

Surveys of the use of IoT 200 technology and business professionals responsible for IoT projects. The goal of the survey was to understand experiences and impacts of using the data captured

by the devices that make up the Internet of Things and focused on the untapped potential of IoT data.

Use of IoT for Business Optimization. 53 per cent are using IoT projects to optimise existing businesses and 47 percent as a

strategic business investment Target audiences for IoT solutions include consumers (42 percent), business (54 percent)

and internal use by employees (51 percent). Challenges with IoT Projects. 96 per cent have faced challenges with their IoT projects. IoT Is Not Delivering Full Potential Because Of Data Challenges. Only 8 per cent are fully capturing and analysing IoT data in a timely fashion. 86 per cent of stakeholders in business roles say data is important to their IoT project. 94 per cent face challenges collecting and analysing IoT data. Better IoT Data Collection And Analysis Would Deliver More Value. 70 per cent say they would make better, more meaningful decisions with improved data. 86percentreportthatfasterandmoreflexibleanalyticswouldincreasetheROIoftheirIoT

investments.

IoT and Data Challenges 44% said that there was too much data to analyze effectively. 36%saidthatitwasdifficulttocapturedatainthefirstplace. 25% reviewed that data was not captured reliably. 19% declared that data was captured too slowly to be useful.

Cross section of participants

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Once data is captured, 27% said they weren’t sure what to use it for and were unsure what questions to ask.

Much like data capture, 26% said that the analysis process was too slow to be actionable, 24%saidthatbusinessprocessesweretoorigidtoallowthemtoactontheirfindings–even

if they were captured and crunched in time to be useful. While cost is often a limiting factor in many technology decisions, for IoT stakeholders, ease

of use appears to be a more pressing issue than cost. More participants (76%) say they would collect and store more data if it were easier than

those who said they would collect and store additional data if it were free.”

Big Data or IoT Every minute, we send 204 million emails, generate 1.8 million Face book likes, send 278

thousand tweets, and upload 200 thousand photos to face book. (BIG DATA or IoT). 12 million RFID tags (used to capture data and track movement of objects in the physical

world) were sold in 2011. By 2021, it’s estimated this number will increase to 209 billion as (BIG DATA or IoT) takes off.

The boom of (BIG DATA or IoT) will mean that the amount of devices that connect to the internet will rise from about 13 billion today to 50 billion by 2020.

The (BIG DATA or IoT) industry is expected to grow from US$10.2 billion in 2013 to about US$54.3 billion by 2017.

Some key technical challenges of data in IoT Dealing with the data “V”s: Volume, Variety, Velocity, Variability, Veracity. Discovery of appropriate device and data sources. Integration of heterogeneous devices, networks and data. Scalability to cope with large numbers of devices, diverse and huge data, computational

complexity of data interpretation. Massivedatamining,adaptablelearningandefficientcomputingandprocessing. Data querying. Availability and (open) access to data resources and data, security and privacy of data (incl.

doing mining, analytics). Interpretation: extraction of actionable intelligence from data. Non-technical challenges are essential though (e.g. data ownership and governance).

A cross section of participants at the knowledge sharing event

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3.1.3 Presentation by Mr. Samuel Acquah Bartels

Mr. Samuel Acquah-Bartels of Vodafone who spoke about disruptive technologies delivered the last presentationforthefirstsession.

In his presentation, he indicated that Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential of creating mass disruptions in telecommunications.

Mr. Acquah-Bartels gave some statistics of 50 billion connected devices by 2020. That equates to 6.58 connected devices per person (Cisco).

The presenter further gave Vodafone’s fourth annual IoT Barometer Report: i. IoT is increasingly at the heart of today’s business landscape. 76% of businesses say that IoT

will be “critical” to their success, and adopters allocate more budget to IoT than to cloud or analytics.

ii. IoT is being used to drive business change. Already 37% of adopters say they run their entire business on IoT, and 48% say they’re using IoT to support large-scale business transformation.

iii. Enterprises are seeing dramatic results. 63% say they’ve seen “significant” return oninvestment, and on average they measure a 20% improvement in metrics like revenue, cost, downtime and utilization.

iv. IoT is integral to enterprise IT. More than 90% of adopters say they already integrate IoT data with cloud, mobile, analytics and ERP.

Mr. Acquah-Bartels ended his presentation with the underlisted challenges of the IoT:i. Disruption of current mobile architecture ii. Privacy iii. Data security iv. Standards and protocols v. Need for more spectrum

3.1.4 Panel Discussion

Questions,commentsandresponsesofthesessionwerecentredonthepresentationsmade.Specificquestions asked are as follows:

Mr. Samuel Acquah Bartels sharing knowledge on Disruptive Technologies

Some Participants posing some questions during the panel discussion

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Que. Is Africa ready for the IoT, Big Data and Cloud Computing? If yes tell us the evidence.Ans. 1. Mr. Ali answered that, Africa is ready and it has started with

theNCA’ssymposiumandthefirstideaistocreateawareness.Hefurtheransweredthat Ghana should join the ITU-T and international fora.

2. Prof. Whalley answered that most countries are ready but not all African countries. He further said Africa is ready but is not ready for the dissemination of the Internet of Things from the key leading sectors across the economy. He then asked if Africa isreadyforthedisseminationof trafficandreiteratedthateverycountryhasthatquestion.

3. Mr. Bartels responded that; we can be ready if we take the proactive steps to learn from those who have taken the steps ahead of us. He again said we need to set our path quite clearly where we need to go and where we want to go and once that path is clearly set then we will be ready for IoT. He also mentioned that, this starts with aplanandoncethereisaplanthenwecantalkaboutbeingabletobenefitandbeready for it.

4. The Chairman of the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Ing. Dr. Kwame Boakye indicated that, we should not worry whether Africa is ready or not and the reality is that, it is going to happen. He further expressed that, we should look back to the cellular evolution because as at that time we did not have infrastructure and so on, however the cellular revolution in Africa took a different trend. He added that, the applications (apps) are far advanced than what is been developed in the ‘developed’ worldwhich he said this is the reason because we do not have to justify the returns on an investment on the land line and with this he suspect that, the same thing will happen to IoT.

Dr. Boakye recommended that regulators minimize regulations to enhance innovation.

Que. What is the level of engagement of interconnection that exist among regulators across the industry (e.g. banking industry, security, etc.) since they have their own regulations?

Ans. Prof. Whalley reacted that, from his own experience the level of engagement among various regulators has increased using the UK example where he reiterated that you will see the UK regulator (OFCOM) having engagements with other regulators across UK to support other regulators. Adding that some regulators within the UK do not collaborate with each other, e.g. the energy regulator and the ICT regulator. He explained the only time they are forced to cooperate is when there is a privacy leak.

Some NCA staff at the event Mrs. Cynthia Lumor of MTN posing a question during

the panel discussion

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Que. Do we think the price to access internet poses a threat to IoT in Africa?Ans. The presenters responded to the questions noting that, there are efforts being made by the

governing body which is the National Communications Authority who has started a forum such as this symposium.

Some participants were of the view that, industry regulators should minimize regulations

whilst enhancing innovation to foster growth in the industry.

ITU is also aware of the situation and Mr. Drissa Badiel indicated that, it is the more reason ITU has not rested since 2007, but working hard to aid in solving the internet access situation. He suggeste that if the Operators are made to pay less for spectrum, there will be affordable internet prices for consumers.

Mr. Acquah-Bartels indicated that, one key thing that has resulted in high internet prices in our part of the world is the unavailability of spectrum. If there are more operators licensed tooffer4Gservicesthendefinitelypriceswillbereducedtoenableconsumerstogetaccessit due to its affordability.

Que. How aware are the end user that, their information is been shared without their consent?Ans. Mr. Acquah-Bartels answered that, privacy is very integral when talking of IoT and big data.

Privacy are there to ensure that, there are no breaches. Consumers or subscribers are to be informed that with IoT this is what it entails when you give your consent. He further said these are things the operators are already doing.

3.1.5 Rapporteur’s Observation

The presentation and the panel discussion provided an opportunity to engage the challenges and potentialbenefitsofInternetofThings(IoT).ThechallengesfacingAfricancountrieslikeGhanaarequite enormous. However, engagements like this and presentations by the experts gave a clear idea of how it will be and the readiness of Ghana in this regard.

A clear message that comes out from the presentations and discussion of the session is that Ghana and many African countries are now appreciating the Internet of Things (IoT). This situation provides opportunity for learning and integrating structures to reduce costs.

Cross section of participants

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3.2 Session Two

The second session of the symposium under the theme Improving Rural Communications: policies, strategies and regulatory interventions with about sixty two (62) participants in attendance was moderated by Mr. Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.

The speakers for this session were:• Mr. Nowshard Yehiya, Marketing Executive, Commonwealth Telecommunications

Organization (CTO)• Dr.RoxannaBarrantesCaceres,ResearcheratthePeruvianUniversity• Dr.OseiKyeiDarkwa,PresidentofGhanaTechnologyUniversityCollege

3.2.1 Presentation by Mr. Nowshard Yehiya

Mr. Nowshard Yehiya spoke on the topic, Developing Broadband Strategies, the Commonwealth Approach. Mr. Yehiya noted that there has been a ten percent (10%) increase in Broadband penetration of 54.09% in 2014 to 67.29% in April 2016 in Ghana. There has also been an increase of Mobile penetration in Ghana by 131.63 %. However, the Fixed line penetration in the country is less than 1.5%. He advised on the need to enhance the existing policies, legislation and regulation governing broadband services, the need to review the National Broadband strategy, and improve on the speed of broadband to enhance online experience.

He also touched on the need to obtain support from the highest levels of the government and through multi-stakeholder partnerships. In conclusion, he revealed that using the Commonwealth Approach which included the adaptation of Policy, Legal, Regulatory; Infrastructure Connectivity and Devices; capacity Building and Awareness in the broadband Ecosystem could solve the challenges faced with regard to broadband penetration in Ghana.

3.2.2 Presentation by Dr. Roxanna Barrantes Caceres

Dr. Roxanna Barrantes’ presentation was titled Rural Telecommunications Expansion: Lessons from Latin America.

Dr. Caceres stated that the main challenges of rural Telecom expansion is due to the lack of commercial viabilities to Operators in investing in the telecom infrastructure for the provision of services to the rural areas. Using the World Bank report (2014), she cited Chile, Peru and Ghana as case studies for rural internet penetration for 100 people which recorded 72.3%, 40.2% and 18.9% respectively. This indicated that, the rural internet penetration in Ghana was relatively low as compared to the other two countries. Dr. Roxanna Barrantes Caceres highlighting

some lessons from Latin America

Mr. Nowshard Yehiya, CTO, giving participants an insight on the topic “Developing Broadband Strategies, the Commonwealth Approach

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She concluded by stating that some of the challenges faced in deploying telecom infrastructure to the rural areasgoesbeyonddifficulties inpersuadingprivateoperators,properutilizationofgovernment levies to improve rural infrastructure and regulators not providing unused spectrum forruraltelecomservicestothebenefitofconsumers.

3.2.3 Presentation by Dr. Osei Darkwa

Dr. Osei Kyei Darkwa, President of Ghana Technology University College, presented on the theme Improving Rural Communications: Policies, Strategies and Regulatory Interventions. He attributed the importance of rural communications to raising awareness, timely access to information and accelerated socio-economic development to improving rural communications.

He however stated some challenges undermining the effective rural communications in Ghana which included absence of telecom service providers, lack of well-developed communication infrastructure, low literacy levels and poor media reach.

Concluding his presentation, he stressed on the need for government to expedite policy and strategy formulation to bridge the gap between the served and the underserved areas.

Dr. Osei Darkwa making a point

Some staff of the NCA keenly listening to a presentation

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Questions, comments and responses of the session centred on thepresentationsmade. Specificquestions were as follows:

Ques. How is competition promotedwhen operators find it unattractive to invest in the ruralcommunities?

Ans. Mr. Nowshard Yehiya indicated that the market segment is incumbent and provides cost-effective solutions like the internet. It is quite critical for companies in providing market solutions.

Ques. Do you recommend domestic roaming to solve the challenges in the rural communities?Ans. Dr. Caceres stated that whilst consumers cannot wait for infrastructure from operators and

funding from governments, domestic roaming would be recommended.

Mr. Scott Minehane also commented that globally, there is currently 17.5 billion dollars in universal service fund which is not being fully utilized. The challenge is to ascertain whether these levies generated by regulators would be channeled in providing telecom infrastructure in the rural communities.

Que. Why is all the 17 billion dollars sitting idle and not being utilized for rural communications infrastructure?

Ans. Mr. Minehane responded that there is confusion regarding what the money is meant to be used for as the operators feel reluctant in further investing in the rural telecom infrastructure after paying the 1% levy to government which is intended for that purpose and the government is not directing these funds to developing the infrastructure in the rural communities.

3.2.5 General Comments

Mr. Joshua Peprah, an independent telecom consultant noted that there is a vast disconnection between the mandate of the regulator and GIFEC. There’s the need to look at what the larger population needs and what the operators are willing to do. There should be collaboration between the NCA and GIFEC to access the needs of the underserved areas in other to better serve these areas.

Mr. Martin Koyabe also indicated that the CTO has been working on the strategy of serving the rural communities for the past four years. An agile approach should be adopted on the prudent use of universal service fund to develop the underserved areas.

Dr. Caceres responding to a question being posed by a participant

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Mr. Clement Akasoba, Zonal Manager for Bolgatanga, NCA also observed that the operators in fulfillingtheircorporatesocialresponsibilitiesprovideelectronicgadgetstotheunderservedwhichdonotreallybenefittheconsumerssincethereisnosourceofelectricitytoderivethefullbenefitsof the gadgets. He further suggested that government develops the other utilities which go hand in hand with the communications infrastructure for consumers to be fully involved in the digital inclusion.


The presentation and the panel discussion provided an opportunity to engage the challenges and potential benefits of Improving Rural Communications: Policies, Strategies and RegulatoryInterventions. The challenges facing the rural communities in African countries like Ghana are quite enormous. However, it will need the combined efforts of the operators and the government agencies to develop the telecom infrastructure and provide some regulatory interventions to the rural communities to improve rural communications discussed in the presentations.

A clear message that comes out from the presentations and discussion of the session is that Ghana and many African countries are now starting the march towards Improving Rural Communications by enhancing Policies, Strategies and Regulatory Interventions.

The session ended at approximately 15:45 GMT.

Tbepanelforthefirstsessiontakingtheirseatstokickoffthesession

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3.3 Session Three

The third session of the symposium was chaired by the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Mr. Elh Maman Laminou.

The theme for the session was Infrastructure Sharing: Challenges and Opportunities.

The speakers for this session were:

• Mr.FrancoisVanZyl,CEO,AmericanTowersCorporation.• Mr.MichaelTakyiAgyei,GhanaInvestmentFundforElectronicCommunications• Mr.KwakuSakyi-Addo,CEO,GhanaChamberofTelecommunications

3.3.1 Presentation by Mr. Francois Van Zyl

Mr. Francois Van Zyl presented the framework of Infrastructure Sharing (IS). Further he talked about the global market overview of infrastructure sharing, mentioning the following scenarios:• NoSharing–ForEmergingMarkets.• Passive and Active Sharing for developed

markets.• Selective Passive sharing for developing

markets.• FullPassiveforbothdevelopedanddeveloping

markets.

The business model of telecom service providers have now been shaped by market competition, user behaviour patterns technological advances he concluded.

The telecoms service providers and the regulator must now strategise to meet these challenges with input from the tower companies.

The presenter subsequently outlined some opportunities and challenges of infrastructure sharing in the Ghanaian telecommunication industry. Worthy of mentioning are such opportunity as cost saving (CAPEX and OPEX) for under developed areas as well as lower entry barriers for new entrants.

Mr. Francois Van Zyl

One-on-one with Mr. Bartels (Left) Some attendees at the symposium

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Aspartofthechallengeshementionedhighinflation,issuesofenergy,regulationaswellasstructuralintegrity, availability and high operational cost contributed by licence, currency devaluation, theft and vandalism.

3.3.2 Presentation by Mr. Kwaku Sakyi Addo

The second speaker, Mr. Kwaku Sakyi-Addo spoke about the two types of sharing operation being practised by telecom operators namely Active Infrastructure sharing (which requires the sharing of active elements of the network such as RAN and core network elements) and Passive Infrastructure sharing (such as towers, compound, and energy).

Some of the challenges he raised included the issue of finding the right balance between competition andcorporation among telecom operators. He mentioned some commercial models for infrastructure sharing such as Joint Venture, Towerco, Fibre companies, and Pubic Private Partnership, etc.

He also added that with Infrastructure, the following advantages can be realized:• Networkexpansionandpossibleincreaseincoverage• Decreaseinserviceprices• Reductioninvisualandenvironmentalimpact• Finally,goodconnectivityandqualityofservicewhichhavepositivesocialandeconomic

benefits

In conclusion, Mr. Addo stressed that appropriate regulatory policy framework has to be introduced and consolidated to ensure that IS provision among operators is effective.

3.3.3 Presentation by Mr. Michael Takyi-Agyei

Mr. Takyi Agyei from GIFEC outlined that the way forward for Infrastructure Sharing are as follows:• AdoptionofPrivatePublicPartnership.• Improvementofstakeholderengagement.• Addressingpolicyandregulatorybottlenecks.


SylviaOwusu-Ankomah,DirectorRegulatory for Tigo, bemoaned the situationwhere about fiveMNOs have to deploy cell sites in commercially non-viable areas. In addition, she commended the NCA for supporting some of the MNOs who have made the gesture to go into active infrastructure sharing.

Mr. Michael Takyi-Agyei

Mr. Kwaku Sakyi Addo

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Que. Mr. Victor Teppeh of the NCA directed a question to the panel on the trend of active sharing deployment in Ghana on the part of the Towercos which Mr. Francois Van Zyl responded that the core business of the Towercos is to provide passive infrastructure and sometimes to RAN level but the core network sharing is the business of the MNOs.

Mr.TeppehalsoaskedoftheCAPEXandOPEXfiguressincetheregimewasintroducedinGhana.Mr.VanZylmentionedthatthefiguresstandintherangeat3%-30%.

Ans. Mr. Kwame Boakye of the GhIE commented that monopoly on infrastructure should be discouraged and that proper regulatory framework be implemented to allow service competition on the shared infrastructure, citing the case of Nigeria.

Que. Mr. Elh Maman Laminou, the moderator for the session posed a question to the panel and the floorifBigDataandIoTservicescanbeprovidedbyoneoperator.

Ans. EricAsantefromMTNsaidthatmarketshareshouldberedefinednotonthebasisofnumberof SIM cards in circulation but the emergence of digital infrastructure sharing services. He hinted that there are other types of infrastructure share that exist between MNOs and other players such as registered Value Added Service Providers hence IS should be harnessed by innovation.

Mr. Albert Enninful of the NCA interacing with Mr. Laminou, WATRA Executive Secretary

Mrs Agbozo (Left) in a chat with Mr. Datsa (Right)

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4 Day Two- Tuesday, July 19, 20164.1 Session Four

The fourth session of the symposium was chaired by Mr. Scott W. Minehane, Managing Director, Windsor Place Consulting.

The theme of the session was: Has Digitisation Redefined the Boundaries of Market Definition?

The speakers for this session were:• Mr.OmarBouhali,PrincipalfromAnalysysMason.• Dr.MarkJamison,Director,PURC.• Dr. Martin Koyabe, Head of Technical support and Consultancy, Commonwealth

Telecommunication Organization.

4.1.1 Presentation by Mr. Omar Bouhali

Mr. Omar Bouhali presented the Impact of OTT services on regulatory market definition. Heelaboratedonmarketdefinitionstatingthatitisakeystepforex-anteandex-postregulation.Healsomentionedthatthenarrowlyorwidelydefiningmarketmayleadtodifferentresultsintermsofdominanceinantitrustprocedures.Also,narroworwidemarketdefinitionsmayleadtodifferentresultsintermsofsignificantmarketpower.ThepresenterstatedthatalthoughtheapplyEUex-ante regulatory framework, that aligns ex-ante regulation methodologies with competition law principles.

Additionally, Mr. Bouhali explained that the scope of EU’s ex-ante regulation is limited to Electronic Communication Services (ECS). Referencing the EU Directive Framework 2002, Article 2c, he provided the definition of ECS as a service normally provided for remunerationwhich consistswholly or mainly the conveyance of signals on electronic communications networks, including

Mr. Omar Bouhali (Second Left) giving his presentation

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telecommunications services and transmission services in networks used for broadcasting, but exclude services providing, or exercising editorial control over, content transmitted using electronic communications networks and services.

He mentioned that for a service to be considered as ECS, it must satisfy the following criteria:• theserviceisnormallyprovidedforremuneration.• itconsistswhollyormainlyintheconveyanceofsignals.• itdoesnotprovide,orexerciseeditorialcontrolover,content.

He pointed out in his presentation that OTT services were originally defined in opposition tooperatorservices.Itwas,howeverredefinedascontent,aserviceorapplicationthatisprovidedbyover the Public Internet by BEREC.

Furthertothis,hedifferentiatedsomeOTTServiceswhichcannotbequalifiedascommunicationservices with the key distinguishing feature being its ability to compete with ECS. Examples given wereAmazonwebservicesandNetflix.OtherexamplessuchasSkypeinandSkypeoutmayqualifyas ECS as they can interconnect with the PSTN.

Concluding, he emphasised that most European regulators have decided that, OTT is not a substitute fortraditionalvoiceandSMSservicesexceptsomefewspecificcase.

In the case of high Smartphone and data penetration, OTT is considered as a substitute to SMS and has the ability to interconnect with the PSTN.

4.1.2 Presentation By Dr. Mark Jamison

The second presentation for the session was done by Dr. Mark Jamison, the Director, PURC. His topic was Identifying Market Power in Times of Constant Change. Dr. Jamison started his presentation by using the case of Jobberman by assessing their present and potential markets.

He admitted right from the beginning of his presentation that digitisation has changed everything explaining that marketpowerisfleetingintimesofconstantchangeunlessthere are enduring factors creating monopoly (EFMs). He reiterated that finding market power traditionallydependedondefiningtwowords:MarketandPower.Thisstandard approach to definingmarkets fails when newtechnologies, customer behaviours, etc. keep demand and supplyinflux.Inabilitytomeaningfullydefinethemarket

means that the traditional approaches cannot tell us whether there is market power.

Heelaboratedonpolicies,businesssilosandemergingreality.Furthertothis,heidentifiedconvergedcarrier and converged technologies as the needed backbone for specialized application to thrive addding that such infrastructure is owned by the telecom service providers.

Dr. Mark Jamison presenting his paper titled “Identifying Market Power in times of Constant Change”.

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In tackling emerging reality, he mentioned that two themes have to be tackled namely:• EssentialBusinessQuestionsonwhodoIserveandwanttodoforthem.• EssentialRegulatoryQuestiononistheresomethingtocauseenduringmonopoly.

Dr.Jamisonaffirmedthatthefactorsthattraditionalmonopolytakesintoaccountmaynotapplyasenduring factors of monopoly.

He therefore concluded that Regulation should focus on EFMs rather than markets and some exception for consumer protection.

4.1.3 Presentation by Dr. Martin Koyabe

The third speaker talked about OTT debate: one way forward. The presenter was Dr. Martin Koyabe, Head of Technical Support and Consultancy, Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization (CTO).

Commencing his presentation, he acknowledged that OTTs are here to stay. The motivation for the continual stay of OTTs in the communication space, he noted, are the following:• OTTisthefutureservicemodel.• OTTservicesrapidlyexpanding.• Availabilityofbandwidthcapacity.• Growthofsmartphones.• Deploymentofcloudinfrastructure.

He talked about three types of OTTs namely:• VoiceandMessaging(communication).• Application(eco-system).• Themedia(TV/Video).

Dr. Koyabe highlighted that OTTs continue to be popular because of their “Sticky Effect” which according to him result from the following factors:• Compatibility• Expansionofmobileinfrastructure• Applicableonvariousplatforms• It’sfreenature

Concluding his presentation, he talked about some of the actions the CTO is taking in consultation with their stakeholders. Some of these actions include round table regulatory discussions and developing questionnaire for survey.


Mr. Osman Issah from Afriwave started the conversation on customization of languages on OTT to enable the indigenes to take advantage of their services. He noted most of the OTT services are in EnglishandFrench.FurtherhestatedthatOTTsshouldberegulatedtothebenefitofthepeopleas

Dr. Martin Koyabe

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OTTs tend to take jobs away.

Mr. Bouhali acknowledge the language limitation and the need for customization. He however urged operatorstotakeadvantageofthatandcustomizecontentintolocalfitsincethereistheneedforlocal representation on the OTT.

Dr. Koyabe remarked that this will depend on the regulatory environment and most often this should be left for the market to decide.

Que. Mr. Mas-oud Mumuni asked the panel about the implication of market dominance of MTN on regulations and customers.

Ans. Dr. Jamison responded by saying if there are no underlying enduring factors of monopoly but largely customers choice, then it is of no help to the market to introduce any intervention (regulations).

Que. Mr. Saqib Nazir of CIS Ghana asked if the regulator has a role to play in nurturing innovation and startups.

Ans. Mr. Bouhali responded that it is in the interest of the operator to take strategic decisions to nurture startups and innovation.

Dr. Martin contributed that it is operators who are always innovating their services and as such should nurture startups.

Mr. Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie encouraged participants to visit the NCA website and look at the Vision and Mission statements. He also stated the NCA has set up a team that looks at innovations.

SomeParticipantsseekingclarificationsonissuesraised

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4.2 Session Five

ThefifthsessionofthesymposiumwaschairedbyDr.MarkJamison,Director,PURC.Thethemeofthe session was “Prospects of Data Uptake and OTT services, Opportunities and Threats for the Telecommunications Industry”.

The speakers for this session were:• Mr.ScottW.Minehane,ManagingDirector,WindsorPlaceConsulting.• Mr.MohammedRufai,ChiefTechnicalOfficer,MTNGhana.• Mr.ErnestObengYarfi,GeneralManger,BroadbandHome.

4.2.1 Presentation by Mr. Scott Minehane

Thefirstspeaker,Mr.ScottMinehanemadeapresentationon the topic “OTT and disruptive: Market Power, Regulation and the App Economy” He provided an overview on the evolutionary trends of mobile app development worldwide since 2006. In a sequential manner, he subsequently touched on the definition,measurement strategies and Regulatory perspectives of App Economy. Of worthy mentioning, was the rhetoric question on how regulations of established or legacy telecom business operators will be balanced with emerging enterprises that are coming out with new, innovative technologies. In response to this concern, the speaker itemized the following recommendations:

• ConductreviewofregulationsapplicabletoMNOsandOTTproviders.• Coordinatewithotherregulatoryauthoritiesandproducesharedregulatorystrategieson

how to address disruptions posed by app economy in the telecom market.

In his concluding remarks, he indicated that regulators need to adopt an adaptive regulatory approach since the business of regulations in recent years as well as the future will have to respond positively to disruptions that mobile apps present to the industry.

Mr. Scott Minehane

Mrs. Afua Mensah-Amosah introducing the guest speaker

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4.2.2 Presentation by Mr. Mohammed Rufai

The second presentation was done by Mr. Mohammed Rufai, CTO of MTN, on the topic “Prospects of Data Uptake and OTT services, Opportunities and Threats for the Telecommunications Industry”. He began by sharing with participants an overview of the telecom market in Ghana as well as the positive impact ICT growth has had on the GDP of the economy.

He also highlighted on some opportunities or drivers for OTT growth vis-a-vis threats it poses to business growth of incumbent telecom operators. Some of the opportunities identifiedincludetheuptakeofSmartphones,increaseddatarevenues and the platform to encourage innovation.

Thekey threat on the otherhandwas thedropping revenue figuresmostMNOs inGhanahaverecorded since the emergence and dominance of OTTs on the telecom market became a stark reality. Furthermore Mr. Rufai presented that a VoIP test conducted by MTN revealed that it is nine (9) times using OTT voice apps as opposed to traditional circuit switched voice service platforms.

Subsequently, he projected the declining revenue figures accruable to the government due toincoming international calls from OTT apps. The presenter in conclusion indicated that regulatory policies have to be enacted to create a level playing field and encourage a shift from passiveconsumption to innovation in the value chain.

However, in order to address these revenue slumps, he recommended that MNOs adopt a business model of partnering with OTT players as opposed to the antagonistic approach of Blocking OTTs or the expensive approach of acquisition.

4.2.3 Presentation by Mr. Ernest Obeng Yarfi

Mr. Ernest Obeng Yarfi’s presentation introduced somegrowth trends inmobile data traffic evolution and alluded tothe projection by industry pundits to the effect that by 2020, seventy-fivepercent(75%)ofmobiledatatrafficwillbevoice/video. He proceeded to point out some key security concerns suchashacking,securitypatches,OSflawsandpoorrecognitionofVoIPpacketsbyoldfirewalls.Heintimatedthatrevenuelossby operators and the government are factors that de-incentivize business investment into legacy voice services in the country albeitOTTspresentproductivityandjobcreationbenefitsfortheemerging market economy.

Inhisrecommendation,heencouragedregulatorstoadoptaflexibleandlightregulatoryapproachin dealing with the threats that OTTs present to the industry. Further to that, regulatory and policy makers should create an enabling environment that fosters multi-stakeholder interest and ensures

Mr. Mohammed Rufai

Mr.ErnestObengYarfi

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the achievement of social and policy objectives. Consumer choice should lastly be given utmost consideration.

4.2.4 Panel Discussion Que. MrOsmanIssahofAfriwaveTelecomaskedthepanelforadviceonthefirststeptheNCA

should take in its attempt to adopt a light regulatory policy initiative to make the most use of the opportunities OTTs present, whilst reducing the impact of the threats to the barest minimum.

Ans. The panel encouraged the NCA to be flexible with licensing fees and pricing aspects ofregulation.

Que. A delegate from Benin posed a question on the motivating factor for MTN’s VoIP test as well as the reliability of the results.

Ans. The panel indicated that, the basis for the test was the Principle of Opportunity Cost, that is to say “How much revenue loss does MTN stand to incur given the methodology cited in the presentation”.

Que. Abdullai Antigba of the NCA also requested the panel especially MTN’s Chief Technical OfficertosharetheOPEXreductionfiguresrealizedbyMTNintheir4GLTEroll-outaswellas the accompanying business model put in place to justify returns on investment.

Ans. Mr.Rufaiinhisresponse,indicatedthat,MTNisstillleveragingits2G/3GinfrastructuretooptimizebusinessrevenuesandthatitwasintheearlydaysastheyareyettoobtainfiguresonOPEXbutenvisagedthattherewilldefinitelybecost-savingsadvantagetotheoperator.In addition, he said a business model which supports video downloads and online gaming had been planned.


The presentation offered a three-pronged value proposition to the following stakeholders:• Regulators: Provide light or minimal regulations on OTT• MNOs: Re-engineer and adopt a business model of partnership with OTT players• Consumers: Drive and support innovation

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4.3 Session Six

The sixth session of the symposium under the theme: Experiences from African countries on the industry: success stories and lessons learned with about seventy two (72) participants in attendance.

The session was chaired by Dr. Osei Kyei Darkwa, President of Ghana Technology University College. The speakers for this session were:• Mr.G.T.MohammedfromNigeriaCommunicationsCommission• Mr.PeterDjarkwahfromNationalCommunicationsAuthority

4.3.1 Presentation by Mr. G.T. Mohammed

Mr. G.T. Mohammed, Assistant Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC)gavethefirstpresentation.

Speaking on the topic, The Nigerian Telecommunications Regulatory Environment, he spoke about how a robust telecommunications infrastructure, coupled with an effective regulatory environment is important for economic growth.

In his speech, he stated that in the third quarter of 2015, the Information and Communication sector contributed

9.80% to the total GDP of Nigeria. Mr. Mohammed made mention of three main guiding principles that the NCC has adopted over the years in regulation which are “Fair, Firm and Forthright”.

The NCC has ensured that all subscribers have registered their telephone numbers to reduce the rate of crime in Nigeria and apply sanctions to operators for non-compliance.

The NCC is licensing Infrastructure Companies (Infracos) to also address the infrastructure legacy challenge and boost broadband penetration. Finally, The NCC plays a critical role in balancing the interests of the Nigerian government, the Operators and the Consumers. The Regulator monitors risks and intervenes where the industry fails to deliver to the Consumers. It provides an enabling legal environment for investors and all players in the industry.

4.3.2 Presentation by Mr. Peter Djarkwah

The second paper was presented by Mr. Peter Djakwah, Deputy Manager, Engineering at the National Communications Authority. His presentation was on TV White Space Technology in Ghana.

Mr. Djarkwah stated that Communications (video, voice, data, fixed and wireless) and exponential growth of

Mr. G. T. Mohammed

Mr. Peter Djarkwah

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wireless data rate is forecasted to continue exponentially in the next 10 years. Peter spoke about the Licensed Spectrum which includes;• Licensedexclusive(traditionalanalogueTV,mobilecellular)• Licensedshared(proposedforLTE/LTEA,2.3&3.5GHzBands)andUnlicensedSpectrum

which includes;• Unlicensedexclusive(theextremelysuccessfulWIFIin2.4&5.8GHz)• Unlicensedshared(TVWhiteSpacecoexistingwithlicensedTV).

He further outlined some broadband initiatives which have been implemented in Ghana for the liberalization in the telecom industry in the granting of licensing of 2G, 3G, and 4G.

The NCA authorised Spectra Wireless Company to conduct a series of trials on Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology and Koforidua Polytechnic on the TV White Space technology for broadband services from 2014 to 2015. According to Peter, all the trials were successful and indicated the preparedness of NCA to start issuing licences for TVWS services.

The representatives from Benin concerntrating on the french version of the papers being presented

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Questions, comments and responses of the session focusedon thepresentationsmade. Specificquestions were as follows:

Que. Most trials in various countries have proven futile. He cited a trial in Scotland in 2013 on TVWS which failed and was ineffective. How sure do you think this will work in Ghana?

Ans. Mr. Djarkwah replied that all trials in Ghana so far have been successful. All technology to deploy internet during the trial periods (2014-2015) over the TVWS were successful.

Que. Do you think TVWS is commercially viable with the advent of 4G technology?Ans. Mr. Djarkwah responded that network is always available and affordable, by introducing the

TVWS, the NCA is trying to reduce spectrum cost for cheaper broadband deployment and services. “I think this is commercially viable and should be embraced”, he said.

Que. What are the criteria for success here in Ghana, have you looked at the outcome from other countries?

Ans. “Yes, it has been deployed in Ghana, tested and works, hence it is a success in Ghana which others need to benchmark from”, Mr. Djarkwah stated.

4.3.4 General Comments

Mr. Joshua Peprah, an independent telecom consultant, stressed that regulation in the West Africa sub region has come a long way and lots of work need to be done. There is the need for intensive consultations with the public, operators and the government. Interactions with the operators will enable the regulator to obtain ideas on how to advance the industry. There is also the need to organise several platforms with operators and consumers to enable them list their concerns for development and revision of licences and Regulatory Policies.

Mr.ScottMinehanespokebrieflyonsomechallengesofnationalroamingwhichincludednationalissues, regulatory framework and the cost to consumers on roaming on other networks in the country. He cited some successful cases in the European Union, Malaysia and Singapore.

5 CLOSING SESSION5.1 Closing Remarks by Board Chairman, NCA

Mr. Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie thanked all participants on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff.

He indicated that the symposium raised the needed discussions that will go a long way to enhance partnerships and enable the exchange of ideas on best practices that will guide the role of regulators in various countries in the development and implementation of ICT policies, promote

Mr. Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie giving his closing remarks at the event

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innovation and foster growth in the telecommunications industry.

He cited the following as the resolution made by the National Communications Authority from the outcome of the symposium: • NCAwouldconstituteataskforceonIoTleveragingonVodafone’sexperience.• UsingMTN’smodelonOTT,theNCAwouldtesttheMNO’spartnershipmodelandthiswill

serve output to CTO’s Study. CTO will be part of the collaboration. • IndealingwithdisruptivetechnologieslikeOTT,theNCAwouldadoptthe“win,win,win”

approach. So that there will be; I. win for OTT service provided.II. win for service provider.III. win for the Government from a taxation stand point.

He concluded that service providers needed to provide innovative products and services which could be harnessed by smart and light regulations which is in line with NCA’s mission to regulate the communications industry in a forward-looking and transparent manner that promotes fair and sustainable competition, stimulates innovation among others.

5.2 Closing Remarks, Area Representative for West Africa, ITU

Mr. Ali Drissa Badiel, Area Representative of ITU for West Africa expressed his gratitude on behalf of ITU for the initiative taken by NCA to open discussion on OTT and IoT in the sub region.

He indicated that the two-day symposium had been a good occasion for the NCA to make an introspection of its achievements and envisage the future with serenity; it had also given a good opportunity to all attendees to share experience on technologies development, on their challenges, and how to address them.

Furthermore, he assured all participants that ITU remains their partner and friend and shall continue to address the aforementioned topics with their participation and support to ITU organised programs.

In conclusion, Mr. Ali Drissa wished NCA all the best for the 20 years of its existence and expressed the wish that NCA’s 50th anniversary celebration would be more fruitful in terms of achievements and experience sharing for all sister regulatory bodies from the Africa Region and beyond.

The ITU representative, Mr. Badiel giving his finalremarksforthesymposium

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From left: The Deputy Director, Director General and Board Chairman of the NCA and the WATRA and ITU representatives set to draw the curtains of the symposium

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6 ABBREVIATIONSIoT - Internet of Things

CTO - Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization

GTUC - Ghana Technology University College

GIFEC - Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication

ITU - International Telecommunications Union

NCA - National Communications Authority

IS - Infrastructure Sharing

TVWS - Television White Space

OTT - Over The Top

SMS - Short Message Service

PSTN - Public Switched Telephone Network

MNO - Mobile Network Operator

7 FUN TRIP

As part of the International Symposium, a trip was organised to Kakum National Park and Cape Coast Slave Castle. Twenty seven people embarked on the trip comprising eight foreigners and nineteen nationals.

At the Kakum National Park, participants were briefed about the Park and took pictures around before setting off to the hills. The group walked to the canopy site taking thirty minutes to complete the walk. The entire participants were excited for the walk and no injury or accident occurred.

On arrival at the Cape Coast Castle, participants were briefed about the history of the slave trade and exposed to the channels the slaves passed through, leaving adverse effects on the continent.

Participants were then taken to the rooms the slaves were kept as well as the captains residence following which questions were posed to the tour guide.

Dr. Caceres & Dr. Jamison in a pose at the Kakum National Park

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The team spent about an hour at the Castle asking a lot of questions and took a lot of Pictures.The team departed from Cape Coast Slave Castle at 3:00pm, arriving safely in Accra at Six (6) O’clock PM

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8 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

NO. NAME COUNTRY INSTITUTION/ POSITION1 George Agbozo GHANA NCA2 George Amofah GHANA NCA3 Reginald Gyane GHANA NCA4 Caroline Iddi GHANA NCA5 Dominic Boafo GHANA NCA6 Norbert Kwankye GHANA NCA7 Akasoba Clement GHANA NCA8 NanaDefieBadu GHANA NCA9 Rahmata I. Pelpuo GHANA NCA10 GabrielKwofie GHANA NCA11 David Dela Heyman Ghana J&P Consult (Conference interpretor)12 Florence Martey GHANA NCA13 Daniel Kahtsi Ghana Tech Centrum14 Clive Ebo Barton-Odro GHANA NCA15 Mabel Mac-Claude GHANA NCA16 Amoah Wilson GHANA NCA17 Kwabena Ameyaw-Badu GHANA NCA18 Mashoud Mumuni GHANA NCA19 Alfred Gasie GHANA NCA20 Michael Adjei Takyi GHANA GIFEC21 Edmund Y. Fianko GHANA NCA22 Dr. Yaw Ani GHANA NCA24 Joseph Skwashie GHANA CAFAF-Ghana25 YawBaafi GHANA NCA26 Prince Ankrah GHANA NCA27 Ebenezer Nartey GHANA NCA28 Kenneth Adu Amanfoh GHANA NCA29 Olivia Opoku Agyemang GHANA MOTCCA Director RSI30 Sahadatu Abdulai GHANA NCA31 Maame B. Osei-Akuamah Ghana Highways Director of MIS32 Albert Enninful GHANA NCA33 Rebecca Amartey GHANA Fence Ghana, NGO34 Emmanuel Larbi Ofei GHANA NCA35 Issah Rashidatu GHANA NCA36 Papa Ekow Quandzie GHANA NITA37 Fredrick Asumanu GHANA NCA38 Saqib Nazir GHANA PXS (Pirting Access) CEO

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39 George Yankey GHANA PXS COO40 Ishmael Yamson GHANA WASPAG41 Sombo William GHANA CAFAF, Ghana42 Portia Agbo GHANA Bensti-Enchill43 Buajor Pupulampu GHANA NCA44 Michael Yemefo GHANA NADMO45 Yaw Frempong Ampomah GHANA Penplusbytes46 Shaibu Abdulaye GHANA Penplusbytes47 Dapaah Ababio GHANA Movis Geodis sivom, Ghana48 Fred Twumasi GHANA Cedar Heights Law Consult49 Jonathan Adjabeng GHANA Vodafone50 Kavianu Portia GHANA NCA51 Joseph Wemaker GHANA Light Foundation GH.52 Cynthia Lumor GHANA MTN CSE53 Roshi Motman GHANA Tigo CEO54 Ernest Obeng GHANA Zipnet55 Sam Poku GHANA Business Council for Africa56 Sylvia O. Ankomah GHANA Tigo57 Michael Bruce GHANA Tigo58 Gifty Bingsley GHANA Tigo59 Francois Van Zyl GHANA ATC Ghana CEO60 Osman Issah GHANA Afriwave Telecom61 Edward Aikins GHANA Vodafone62 David Jones Amoah GHANA Vodafone63 Caesar Onejeme GHANA Vodafone64 Angela P GHANA Vodafone65 Donald Giura GHANA Afriwave66 Susan- Barbara Kumapley GHANA Bentsi-freda II, Letse Ankomah67 Alice Fleischer GHANA NCA 68 Kate Nicco Annan GHANA Vodafone69 Araba Anderson GHANA Vodafone70 Alex Lartey GHANA Millicom71 Sam Koranteng GHANA MTN72 Dr. Ezer Yeboah Boateng GHANA GTUC73 Mrs. Matilda Abban GHANA NCA74 GyamfiDaniel GHANA K’dua Poly75 Vida Asante GHANA GIFEC76 Joyce Abbey GHANA NCA77 Peter Djakwah GHANA NCA78 Teki Akwetteh GHANA Data Protection Commission

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79 Aikins Adu Amankwah GHANA GRA80 Osei Darkwa GHANA GTUC81 Kwame Kufuor Owusu-Ansah GHANA Bluetone Technical Consultant82 Samuel Bartels GHANA Vodafone GH83 Charles Goh GHANA Vodafone84 Peter Onyekwere GHANA NCA85 Joshua Peprah GHANA Telecoms Chamber86 Kwaku Sakyi Addo GHANA Telecoms Chamber87 Derek Laryea GHANA Telecoms Chamber88 Ipon Alexandre Cote D’Ivoire ARTCI89 Zeboaua Patrick Cote D’Ivoire ARCTI90 Mark Jamison USA USA91 Claude Mbaya Cote D’Ivoire ARTCI92 Roxanna Barrantes Caceres PERU ieppucp93 Guedegbe C. Benin ARTCI94 Martin Koyabe CTO UK CTO95 Constant Ahokpossi Benin Director, Network & Infra96 Scott Minehane Australlia WPC97 J. Whalley UK Northumbria University98 Ali Drissa Badiel Senegal ITU99 Bile Divindeou Cote D’Ivoire ARTCI100 Elh Maman Nigeria WATRA101 Nowshard Yehiya UK CTO102 Gansa O. Tounana Benin ARCEP103 Houessou Comforte Benin ARCEP104 Dodjiwou Leandre Benin ARCEP

9 RAPPORTEURS1. George Ardem Agbozo2. George Amofah3. Roland Kudozia4. Reginald Gyane5. Samuel Agyekum6. Abigail Gunn7. Mavis Obeng8. Sahadatu Abdulai9. Emmanuel Adubah

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Join the National Communications Authority in Celebrating its Achievements

ww.nca.org.gh

Since 1996, the National Communications Authority has been at the forefront of regulating the communications industry for efficient communications services in Ghana.

From educating and protecting users of communication services including Telephone, Internet, Radio, Television, Maritime and Aviation communications to ensuring consumers get good quality service from their service providers and see to the resolution of all industry related disputes.

This is the time to celebrate our achievements and look forward to the future of communications in Ghana.

20YEARS OF PROGRESSIVE AND DYNAMIC REGULATORY

ACHIEVEMENTS

rapporteur’s report · 2018-09-08 · 3.2.3 presentation by dr. osei darkwa 15 3.2.4 panel...

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