CEO Weekends: NCA lifts ban on Vodafone Ghana

Ghana’s communication regulator The National Communications Authority (NCA) has lifted the ban imposed on Vodafone Ghana on the 6th of June, 2014, caused by nationwide outage on the network.

Among the sanctions imposed on the telecom were , banning them from the acquisition of new subscribers, sale of New SIM Cards, porting subscribers from other networks to Vodafone, introduction of new services, promotions, offers and from all marketing communications.

NCA also directed the network to compensate consumers.

Originally, these sanctions were in place till 31st July, 2014, however but since Vodafone has been able to meet the conditions put in place by the Authority to ensure quality delivery of service, the ban has been lifted.

As part of conditions required for lifting the ban, the network was to investigate and rectify all issues on their core network following which the Authority would conduct series of tests. This included implementing a permanent fix on their Recharge Platform and ensuring that identified defective equipment were replaced,” said the regulator in a statement.

After various actions taken by Vodafone and reported to the Authority, NCA has since conducted series of verification tests on the network between June 25, 2014 and July 6, 2014 regarding the remedial measures on the outage that occurred on 3rd June, 2014.

“The verification tests have proved that Vodafone Ghana has met all the requirements to ensure network stability and consumer satisfaction. As a result, the Authority has lifted the ban. It should be noted that the main objective of the ban was to ensure that Vodafone Ghana puts in place measures to ensure quality and consistent service delivery, and not meant to be punitive,” said the network in a statement.

“The National Communications Authority takes this opportunity to assure the general public that the Authority will continue to work in the interest of the consumer and all stakeholders at all times,” read another part.

Vodafone has also been advised to ensure that they conduct regular monitoring and maintenance of the network to prevent outages which affect consumer satisfaction and to prevent such an incidence from re‐occurring.