GT to extend broadband services to three cities

Accra, March 6, GNA - Ghana Telecom (GT) is to extend its Broadband Internet service to Tema, Kumasi and Takoradi by the end of the third quarter of this year.

The service, which provides fast Internet connection based on new digital technology is currently available only in North and Central Accra as well as the Cantonments Telephone Exchanges.

Mr Charles Ebu, Principal Marketing Officer of GT, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the speed access of the Broadband is 40 times faster than the existing dial up system being used by most Internet service providers.

"The Broadband is more reliable and telephone can be used at the same time for voice or fax," he said.

He was speaking at the 6th Industry and Technology exhibition in Accra on the theme: "Transforming Ghana's Industrial Sector through Information and Communication Technology" at which GT is providing free Broadband Internet service for the public at the ICT village. Meanwhile, the company has also introduced new products such as a Fixed Cellular Terminal (FCT), a system used in areas where GT Direct Exchange Lines (DEL) are unavailable but are able to pick the One Touch signal.

Mr Ebu said the company had already installed the FCT in some rural areas, which did not have telephone connections. Another innovation being made available by the company to help its corporate clients to cut down on telephone bills is the Grafits (Indoor) Payphone.

The Indoor Payphone, which had already being installed in about 100 companies and organisations, could also be used as a receiving facility.

Besides, the company has introduced the U-Touch product on the 020 network designed for the youth to attract lower charges below the off-peak (From 1900 hours to 0700 hours). It has the SMS rate lower than the One-Touch, both local and international.

The provision of free Internet services by GT had made the ICT village the centre of attraction for the public and exhibitors, who visit the village daily either to send or check their e-mails and other services. 06 March 05