NCA tightens telecom standards, sets sub-1% call drop target

Ghana’s telecom operators are now required to maintain call drop rates below 1% and achieve at least 95% call connection success under sweeping new quality regulations introduced by the National Communications Authority.

The directives, announced on February 15, 2026, revise long-standing Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators that have been in place since 2004 and are aimed at significantly improving network reliability and user experience nationwide.

Under the new framework, the allowable Call Drop Rate has been reduced from ≤3% to less than 1%, while operators must ensure a Call Connection Success Rate above 95%, with successful connections recorded in more than 90% of operational cells within each Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly.

For voice quality, the regulator introduced a minimum Mean Opinion Score above 3.0 for 2G services, setting a measurable benchmark for call clarity.

Data service requirements have also been strengthened. Telecom providers must now deliver average 3G download speeds exceeding 1 megabit per second up from the previous session-based threshold of 256kbps marking a significant increase in performance expectations.

Messaging services are similarly affected, with operators required to maintain at least a 98% SMS/MMS delivery success rate and ensure messages are delivered within five seconds.

Beyond service performance, the Authority has imposed expanded coverage obligations, compelling mobile network operators to extend connectivity to all towns within every district, rather than focusing primarily on district capitals.

The regulator says compliance will be monitored through intensified field measurements and performance assessments, with sanctions expected for operators that fail to meet the revised standards.

According to the Authority, the updated rules reflect evolving technology, changing consumer usage patterns and national policy priorities, signalling a stricter regulatory approach to improving telecom service delivery across the country.