KEY POINTS
- Ghana will roll out 5G services on Nov. 1, 2024.
- 5G offers faster speeds and more reliable internet than 4G.
- The government has partnered with seven firms to provide 5G.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced that Ghana is set to roll out 5G service starting Nov. 1, 2024. The introduction of 5G technology is part of the government’s effort to enhance digital infrastructure and provide faster, more reliable internet services across the country.
Ghana set to launch 5G services in November
Owusu-Ekuful disclosed this during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024. She emphasized that all the necessary infrastructure and preparatory work have been completed, allowing the service to launch on schedule. This marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s digital transformation journey.
The government had previously announced plans to introduce 5G by the end of this year, and with this rollout, Ghana joins other countries on the continent in adopting this advanced wireless technology.
According to a report by MyJoyOnline, 5G, known as the fifth generation of wireless technology, promises much faster internet speeds, significantly higher upload and download rates, more reliable connections, and improved capacity to handle more devices simultaneously. It offers a transformative leap in performance compared to the older 4G and 4G LTE networks.
Like previous mobile networks such as 3G and 4G, 5G runs on radio frequencies. However, technological advancements in speed, latency, and bandwidth allow 5G to deliver shorter download and upload times, stronger connectivity, and greater reliability. Industry experts claim 5G is 10 times faster than 4G Plus, making it the natural successor in mobile technology.
Earlier, Owusu-Ekuful revealed that the government has partnered with seven industry players to establish a shared infrastructure for 5G services. This partnership aims to deliver affordable, high-speed mobile broadband across Ghana, ensuring that citizens and businesses can benefit from improved digital services.
5G technology promises faster internet and better connectivity
During a Meet the Press event earlier this year, Owusu-Ekuful noted that the implementation of 5G will bring numerous benefits to Ghanaians. These include faster data speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity, which will improve access to essential digital services such as healthcare, education, and financial services. The government expects 5G to significantly boost the efficiency and effectiveness of these services, benefiting citizens and businesses alike.
To facilitate the rollout, the government has awarded the 5G license to Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a new shared infrastructure company co-promoted by the government and seven other firms. This consortium includes key industry players such as Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana. This collaboration is expected to play a vital role in delivering affordable 5G mobile broadband services across the nation.
The introduction of 5G is seen as a critical milestone in Ghana’s digitalization agenda, driving innovation, economic growth, and greater inclusion in the digital economy.
