Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has granted local ISP Celltel Networks full nationwide authorisation to implement its USD300 million Ghana Smart Cities Project, GhanaWeb reports.
The approval, which makes Celltel an Internet and Public Data Service Provider and follows provisional authorisation earlier in 2021, grants Celltel Networks – owned by Kludjeson International – a five-year permit to use the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands and VSAT Network Class 3 (1-49 terminals) nationwide to provide Wi-Fi access to its customers. Under the terms of the authorisation, the company is required to pay an annual fee and commence operations within two years of receiving written approval, failing which its licence will be revoked.
Working in collaboration with various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Celltel plans to deploy an affordable nationwide Wi-Fi service which subscribers can access using Celltel-branded handheld, desktop and home devices. Having already installed some infrastructure in parts of the country, the company is currently piloting the service in selected areas in preparation for a full rollout. Celltel hopes to expand its footprint by means of co-location and infrastructure sharing agreements with existing industry players.
