NCA denies planning to ban OTT calls

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has distanced itself from publications claiming it is considering proposals to ban Whatsapp, Skype and Viber calls.

It sourced the wrong claims from media misrepresentations of a press release it issued calling for discussions on the emerging trend of web-based calls, saying the contents of the said release had been “taken out of context”.

“The National Communications Authority clarifies that the situation is an emerging trend and needs to be considered carefully by all stakeholders. It is the wish of the Authority that media houses seek clarifications from the Authority and together with the NCA, develop the industry for the benefit of our valued consumers,” the release urged.

The NCA, mandated to license and regulate electronic communication activities and services in the country, said it will hold a Digital Family Forum on Tuesday, 17th May, 2016, at the Accra International Conference Centre as part of this year’s World Telecom and Information Society Day, to seek views and perspectives on the issues of National Roaming and the OTT (Over-The-Top) Services.

An OTT service, typically related to media and communication, is provided over the Internet and bypasses traditional distribution methods and are generally lower in cost.