The National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced sweeping new measures aimed at improving the quality of mobile telecommunications services across Ghana, introducing stricter performance standards for voice calls, data speeds and message delivery.
The revised Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which took immediate effect on February 15, 2026, impose tougher and enforceable thresholds for all mobile network operators across the country’s Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The new framework replaces several standards that have been in place since 2004.
In a statement issued in Accra, the Authority said the changes reflect evolving technology, growing consumer reliance on mobile services and the need to ensure consistent, high-quality communication nationwide.
Under the new rules, the maximum allowable call drop rate has been reduced from 3 percent to below 1 percent — a move expected to improve call stability and reduce frequent call interruptions experienced by users.
Additionally, operators must now ensure that at least 95 percent of calls successfully connect in more than 90 percent of operational network cells within each district.
To enhance voice clarity, the NCA has introduced a minimum Mean Opinion Score (MOS) of above 3.0 for 2G services, aimed at guaranteeing acceptable call quality even on older network technologies.
Data services have also been tightened under the revised framework. The minimum average download speed on 3G networks has been increased to exceed 1 megabit per second, up from the previous minimum threshold of 256 kilobits per second.
The Authority believes the new requirement will significantly enhance internet browsing, streaming and access to digital services for millions of Ghanaians.
Messaging services are now subject to stricter delivery standards, with operators required to achieve a minimum success rate of 98 percent for SMS and MMS delivery. Messages must also be delivered within five seconds — a measure designed to improve reliability for both personal and business communications.
In a major policy shift, the NCA has made it mandatory for mobile operators to extend network coverage to all towns within each district. Previously, operators were only encouraged to expand coverage beyond district capitals, but the new directive makes nationwide coverage an enforceable licence obligation.
The Authority said it will intensify monitoring, field testing and performance assessments to ensure compliance. Operators that fail to meet the revised standards risk regulatory sanctions in line with their licence conditions and applicable laws.
The NCA emphasised that the reforms form part of broader efforts to protect consumer interests and strengthen service delivery in Ghana’s rapidly expanding telecommunications sector.
Mobile users experiencing persistent service quality challenges have also been encouraged to formally lodge complaints with the Authority for investigation and appropriate action.
The latest regulatory intervention signals a decisive move by the NCA to hold telecom operators more accountable while ensuring consumers receive faster, more reliable and higher-quality mobile services across the country.
