Accra: More than 8,000 fibre cuts are being recorded annually in Ghana's telecommunications industry, a dramatic increase from the approximately 400 cases per year seen during the early stages of network deployment, according to Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications. This alarming trend was highlighted during the Chamber's 15th anniversary soft launch.
According to Ghana Web, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah explained that the rapid expansion of telecom networks has exposed fibre infrastructure, significantly boosting internet penetration in Ghana from about 4 percent to over 70 percent. However, this expansion comes with the downside of frequent fibre cuts, which are placing substantial financial and operational pressure on telecom operators. The Chamber is urging the government to adopt a 'dig once' policy, compelling inclusion of fibre duct infrastructure in major road construction projects to mitigate this issue.
The policy is seen as essential by the Chamber to curb the impact of fibre cuts, which have been described as a persistent problem in the industry. The cuts necessitate telecom operators to redirect resources intended for network expansion and service enhancement towards repairs and maintenance. Owusu-Ankomah emphasized that these fibre cuts are a significant threat to network stability and service reliability in the country.
The Chamber is optimistic about the potential for government support in fast-tracking the 'dig once' policy, noting that discussions have reached the Cabinet level. The implementation of this policy is expected to enhance network resilience by providing telecom operators with access to protected underground ducts, thereby reducing the frequency and impact of fibre damage.