Consumer advocacy firm, CUTS International has expressed concern about the recent announcement by Telecel Ghana to increase its broadband subscription rates.
They described the three days notice as a last-minute communication, which reflects an emerging trend within Ghana’s telecommunications sector, where service providers frequently give consumers limited notice ahead of price changes.
“While CUTS International acknowledges that operators may adjust pricing in response to market conditions and operational costs, it is essential that such changes are communicated in a timely and transparent manner—particularly for services that operate on a prepaid, subscription-based model”, a statement from CUTS International said.
Telecel Ghana has issued a short-notice announcing an adjustment in its broadband subscription prices, notifying customers via SMS that the new prices will take effect on Monday, April 28, 2025.
But CUTS International said Telecel’s broadband service is billed on a monthly basis, and as such, it would be considered fair and industry-appropriate to provide at least one month’s advance notice for price changes.
“A notice period of less than three days is insufficient for consumers to assess their options or make informed decisions”, it argued.
“Respect for consumer rights is a cornerstone of competitive markets, especially where services are paid for in advance and renewed regularly. Adequate notice of price changes not only empowers consumers but also promotes trust and strengthens provider-customer relationships”, it pointed out.
This is not the first time Telecel/Vodafone has been criticized by consumers for increasing broadband prices in a manner that does not sit well with customers. Several years ago, broadband customers of that company went on a demonstration over a similar incident and the then CEO described their complaints as “rubbish”.
This current incident follows a similar occurrence about a month ago when MultiChoice Ghana Ltd, operators of DStv, also gave subscribers less than one week’s notice of a price increase.
