Ursula Lauds Airtel/Tigo Merger

The National Communications Authority’s (NCA) approval for the merger between Bharti Ghana Limited (Airtel) and Millicom Ghana Limited (Tigo) would ensure efficiency in the telecommunication industry, Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has said.

A statement from the NCA on Monday October 2, 2017 stated that the merger will result in an entity which will be the second largest mobile network operator in the country.

First announced in March 2017, the merger required the regulator to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the application and the regulatory ecosystem.

The merged entities, further noted the statement must submit a network integration plan to the NCA to indicate how they intend to relinquish portions of their total spectrum allocation.

This is expected to be done in phases on geographical area basis and over a period not exceeding eighteen (18) months to avoid disruptions on the network.

Commenting on the move on Morning Starr Wednesday October 4, 2017, Mrs. Ekuful said: I think that it would be good for the industry. It will enable to pull their resources better and hopefully treat their staff and customers also better. The merged company will be number two and if they also up their game they can give the front runners the fair run for their money and enable all the other competitors also up their game. So ultimately it is the nation which stands to benefit.”

That notwithstanding she noted that her ministry will “insist that they [merged entities] treat their staff in accordance with the law and give them some certainty. For those who will be retained they must treat them well. Those that may be let go they must treat them responsibly and ensure that the requisite packages are given them…to branch out into life.”

Source: Starrfmonline