Ghana Delays 5G Debut to Fourth Quarter of 2025
In a recent press briefing held on July 3rd, 2025, Ghana's Minister of Communications, Sam George, provided an update on the delays in the country's 5G rollout. Originally scheduled for December 2024, the rollout is now expected by the end of Q4 2025.
The 5G rollout in Ghana is being carried out through a shared infrastructure model led by the Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), with local telcos Ascend Digital and K-NET, along with other investors, backing the initiative. However, several challenges have arisen, causing the delays.
Regulatory Delays: The National Communications Authority (NCA) has been slow in issuing necessary approvals, including basic permissions for SIM testing and Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) use. Major approvals for full operations and telco participation are still pending.
Operational Hurdles: Despite all necessary equipment being in-country, only about 22 out of the planned 350 cell sites have been deployed. Operators are hesitant to deploy further without regulatory assurances that telcos and ISPs can connect once the network goes live.
Tower Companies' Reluctance: Key tower infrastructure providers like ATC and Helios Towers are cautious due to past financial losses, particularly a GHS 1.5 billion bill from AT Ghana to ATC. They require policy reform and credit assurances before engaging further.
Spectrum Interference: Technical issues, including spectrum interference in the 3.5 GHz and 2.1 GHz bands, continue to hinder full technical readiness for the rollout.
As for current expectations, the timeline has consistently shifted, with June 2025 being the latest missed deadline. The Minister of Communications, Sam George, has indicated that there could be reviews of the licensing terms if deadlines continue to be missed, but no specific date for the full commercial rollout has been announced.
The success of Ghana's 5G rollout depends on swift action over the next few months to address these regulatory and operational challenges. Once these hurdles are overcome, the country can look forward to the benefits of 5G technology, including faster internet speeds, improved connectivity, and the potential for new business opportunities.
[1] Ghanabusinessnews.com. (2025). Ghana's 5G rollout delayed: What's behind the delays and what's next? Retrieved from https://ghanabusinessnews.com/2025/07/05/ghanas-5g-rollout-delayed-whats-behind-the-delays-and-whats-next/ [2] Myjoyonline.com. (2025). Ghana's 5G rollout delayed until end of Q4 2025. Retrieved from https://www.myjoyonline.com/business/2025/july-5th/ghanas-5g-rollout-delayed-until-end-of-q4-2025.php [3] Modernghana.com. (2025). Ghana's 5G rollout delayed: Regulatory, operational challenges persist. Retrieved from https://www.modernghana.com/news/1089179/ghanas-5g-rollout-delayed-regulatory-operational-challenges-persist.html [4] Ghanaweb.com. (2025). Ghana's 5G rollout delayed: Tower companies reluctant to engage due to past financial losses. Retrieved from https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/news/Ghanas-5G-rollout-delayed-Tower-companies-reluctant-to-engage-due-to-past-financial-losses-658149 [5] Citifmonline.com. (2025). Ghana's 5G rollout delayed: Minister hints at possible review of licensing terms. Retrieved from https://www.citifmonline.com/2025/07/05/ghanas-5g-rollout-delayed-minister-hints-at-possible-review-of-licensing-terms/
- The partnership between Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), local telcos Ascend Digital and K-NET, and other investors in the 5G rollout in Ghana involves not only technology but also finance, as they are pooling resources to back the initiative.
- Addressing the regulatory delays and operational hurdles, such as the spectrum interference and tower companies' reluctance, in the 5G rollout is crucial for the advancement of the technology industry in Ghana, potentially opening up new financial opportunities for the country.
