The National Communications Authority (NCA) says it is putting in place measures to ensure effective cross border telecommunication networking in the sub-region to enhance trade and investments. With Ghana on a quest to become a financial hub in West Africa and having secured an offshore destination status, mobile telecommunications is seen as one sure way of networking between it and the neighbouring countries to ensure effective growth. The NCA, after taking part in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) meeting in South Africa some months ago, says it is on the verge of establishing fibre optic capabilities across the sub-region to make the move a reality. Director of Regulations and Licensing, Joshua K. Peprah says the use of the fibre optic cables will open up the links across borders to facilitate development. Meanwhile, the NCA says it is committed to implementing a policy that would enable both telephone and mobile subscribers in Ghana to change their service providers whilst keeping their existing telephone and mobile numbers. The policy, known as number portability, aimed at fostering effective competition and consumption choice by enabling subscribers to switch between service providers without the cost and inconvenience of changing their numbers. The number portability that is expected to create downward pressure on prices, introduce new bundles of services and also make it easier for new operators to gain market share should have began last year. Joshua Peprah had earlier told Daily Guide that his outfit is currently consulting other countries which had implemented this service so as to leverage on their experiences, rules of engagement and method of implementation. Mobile telephony companies such as Millicom Ghana Limited, operator of Tigo and Hutchison operator of Kasapa had also told CITY&BUSINESS GUIDE that they welcome NCA’s decision to introduce number portability into the telecommunications sector of the economy. Source: Daily Guide