The National Communication Authority (NCA) is charging mobile service operators in the country to consider partnering software application developers to enable them fully exploit emerging social media technologies.

Some operators earlier this year advocated the ban on internet calls mainly done via social media platforms like facebook, WhatsApp, among others.

The telcos argued that such calls are adversely impacting their revenues – a position fiercely rejected by subscribers.

Speaking for the first time on this issue, Consumer and Corporate Affairs Director, Naana Dufie Badu said the Authority would not take any decision in this regard that would eventually put the consumer at a disadvantaged position.

"Day in and day out, there are new Apps and technologies for people to use to communicate. Of course, it will have an impact on the traditional way of communicating," Naana Badu said.

Naana Badu explained that this was the reason behind the NCA opening discussion earlier this year to see "how traditional media or telcos can work together with App developers to be able to use the Apps to increase their revenue."

She said in doing all this, the NCA will make sure that consumers are not short changed.

The Consumer and Corporate Affairs Director at the NCA said the "aim of regulations or ICT is to create an end benefit or an environment where consumers are able to communicate effectively with each other and at a minimum cost."