Telecommunication regulators and Mobile Network Operators from Ghana and Togo are meeting in Accra to resolve frequency interference on networks along the Ghana-Togo Border.
The meeting between the two regulators—the National Communications Authority of Ghana and the Autorite de Reglementation des secteurs de Postes et de Telecommunications (ART&P) of Togo—comes after mounting pressure from subscribers for the telcos to address the severe network interferences in areas along the border between the two countries
The network operators especially from Ghana have also raised the issue of losing consumers to their counterparts in Togo due to consistent signal interference on their network which mostly affects the quality of service in the border towns.
The meeting which enters its second day on today is aimed at finding the most efficient method for resolving interference of signals in the border region.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Director General in charge of Technical Operations at the NCA, Henry Kanor said Ghana and Togo have in the past, held similar meetings on the use of Radio Spectrum along the borders in accordance with Article 6 of the ITU Radio Regulations and that the meetings are to create a platform which seeks to minimize transmitting signals coming from the neighbouring territories.
“These signals may cause harmful interference, harmful coverage (international roaming issues) or may prevent an Administration from utilizing/allocating portions of its national spectrum,” he added.
Mr. Kanor expressed confidence an amicable solution would be found at the end of the meeting to resolve the challenge, and possibly sign a long-standing Border Frequency Agreement.
A representative from the Togolese Regulator, Autorite de Reglementation des secteurs de Postes et de Telecommunications (ART&P) Mr. Awandi Modena, , confirmed meetings that both countries have had in the past over the same issue, but was optimistic for a substantive solution from the meeting.
He believed that the issues of interference regarding telecommunications and broadcasting services provided in both countries will be resolved to improve quality of service for consumers along the border.
Source:citifimonline