A few days ago, my father in-law called me. He said he wanted to discuss something very important. As I took my phone to return his call I was wondering what the issue might be.
I called him back and he responded in his usual vibrant and enthusiastic nature. He said he called to find out how everybody in the family was. He asked about his grandchildren, their nanny, my Mum and everybody.
You know how it is done in the Volta region. I still knew he had not touched on the reason why he called.
Just when I thought the conversation was ending, he said “now to the second reason why I called, why don’t we have 4G at Adidome?
“There are many people here in Adidome and everyone is asking why there is no 4G. There is 4G in Sogakope and Adidome, being a district capital, should also have some,” my in-law stated his case.
I explained to him that technology is rolled out in phases and that I will check with the technical team to find out when the 4G technology will be rolled out in the big town.
My father-in-law is not the only one who asks me such questions. I am sure everyone in telecoms gets to answer these questions very often. It is very common to meet friends who ask you questions like, “Why isn’t there coverage in my village? Why don’t we have 3G or 4G and so on and so forth.
Isn’t it amazing that in this age technology issues are considered a critical area of interest not only to young people but also to older people. A decade ago, we were living our lives without the craze of social media, digital media or online media. Today, many people cannot survive or enjoy their lives without it.
Telecommunications today is an embodiment of everything we consider useful. The industry has evolved so rapidly and vigorously it is inconceivable to think about where it is heading to. From the 80s when analogue phones were rolled out commercially right through the 90s when GSM service was created, subscribers have welcomed the innovations with open hands.
The 2000s brought the third generation services and now we are experiencing 4G. Indeed it has become apparent that unlike other industries there is a huge leap and evolution of the industry every decade. Every leap takes us into unimaginable experiences and this causes disruptions in a lot of activities. The disruptions often look uncomfortable at the beginning but a closer look at it reveals numerous opportunities.
No doubt, the telecoms industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It is also the most fascinating and intriguing, capturing the imagination and emotions of everybody. The mobile phone which is the leading tool for communications has become a melting point for unearthed communications. It has created families, brought communities together and have created businesses and conglomerates. It has helped people to express their creativity, emotions and hidden talents. It has enriched storytelling and given wings for tales to travel far and wide. It is used to vent anger and to solicit love at the same time.
Subscribers have been mesmerized by the various evolutions of the technologies with each new generation surpassing the previous one. I cannot imagine what 5G will look like. Currently what can’t we do with our phones. We use it to make calls, text, send videos, audio pictures. The phone is now our recorder, calculator, radio, television, weather check, translator, dictionary and camera. We can use it to buy insurance, do shopping, pay bills, market our products and sell them and receive payment for the goods sold. With Mobile Money, the phone can be used to send and receive money, pay school fees, do investment and savings as well.
As we talk about the importance of telecommunications and how it has impacted every sphere of life, we cannot forget the work of the organization that is responsible for championing the affairs of the telecoms companies – the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (Telecoms Chamber) was launched in 2011 by his Excellency John Mahama (five years ago). At the time he was the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. The event was chaired by the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amotia Ofori –Payin. Five years after its formation the chamber continues to seek the common interest of its members.
The Chamber, with ace journalist Kwaku Sakyi Addo as its CEO, must be proud of its members. Within the past five years, a lot of growth has taken place within the industry. The number of mobile phone subscribers currently stands at 35m subscribers with a 134% voice penetration and 67 % data penetration. The growth of the industry is commensurate with the tax contributions. Its total tax contribution runs into billions of cedis.
Collectively the industry believes it is responsible for 6200 direct jobs and 1.6 million indirect jobs. That is understandable considering the entire eco system of the Telecoms industry. Volume of Momo (Mobile Money) transactions is about 267 million whilst the value of total transaction is around 35 billion cedis. Registered mobile money agents for the four operators are around 80,000 agents.
Also for the past few years the industry has been printing its recharge cards locally based on a directive given by government. MTN started printing recharge locally in 2008. The industry is well loved for its corporate social investments. Its contribution to the entertainment industry cannot be overlooked. Without them the entertainment industry would have gone staled.
As we celebrate five years of the formation of the telecommunications chamber, we look forward to another five years of phenomenal growth, innovation and social development. Commendations to all members of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
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