By Nana Appiah Acquaye, Accra, Ghana
Telecom regulators and Mobile Network Work 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 at a time where tension is been mounted on network operators by consumers along the border region to do something about the continuousinterference on their network.
Meanwhile Network operators especially from Ghana have also raise the issue of losing consumers to their counterparts in Togo due to consistent signal interference on their network which most a times affect the quality of service around the border towns.
The meeting which enters its second day on Friday is aimed at finding the most efficient method for resolving interference of signals in the border region.
Addressing the meeting on behalf of the Director-General,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 in a bid 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 however expressed confidence that both countries at the end of the deliberations will find an amicable solution to resolve the important issues at stake and possibly sign the 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, an Engineer confirmed meetings that both countries have had in the past over the same issues and was optimistic that this time around, 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 and also, help Ghana and Togo make progress that will lead to the development of their respective countries.
