Obsolete telecom system being phased out

Accra, June 13, GNA - Ghana Telecom is to extend fixed cellular terminal lines to customers currently on the digital radio multiplexer system, an obsolete technology being phased out by the company.

Prof. Michael Ocquaye, Minister of Communications, told Parliament on Wednesday that the extension of fixed cellular phone lines through the global system for mobile communications (GSM) platform, is to enable many more customers requiring fixed cellular phone facility to be served.

The Minister was responding to a question on when Ghana Telecom lines would be extended to Nkawie-Toase, the district capital of Atwima Nwabiagya, in the Ashanti Region.

Prof. Ocquaye said Ghana Telecom service was available at Nkawie Toase but it was being operated on a digital radio multiplexer system technology, an obsolete system, being phased out. He said Kasapa Telecom Limited on its part, was providing telephone services to Toase and surrounding communities.

In response to another question, the Minister said landline facilities were yet to be extended to Abokobi, Pantang and Oyarifa in the Greater Accra Region.

"Telecom does not plan to provide fixed cables to these areas. Ghana Telecom intends to provide fixed lines using mobile network. It is cheaper to provide service using the mobile network, especially in small residential areas," he added.

"Mr. Speaker, Kasapa Telecom Limited's network also covers Abokobi, Pantang Hospital, Oyarifa areas and the surrounding towns and villages.

"Millicom Ghana Limited on its part has released a programme to extend connectivity to Oyarifa by the end of July 2007 and to Abokobi by middle of September 2007. Pantang Hospital is already covered by Millicom," Prof Ocquaye said.