Ghana Internet Service Providers

Association

Delivering Solutions to end users –Role of GISPA

Ato Sarpong

GISPA

IntroductionIntroduction

The Ghana Internet Services Providers Association (GISPA) is a non-profit trade corporation that profit represents the interest of Internet Service Providers(ISPs)

The mandate of GISPA is to;

To promote and protect the interests of ISPs in Ghana.

To drive the widespread adoption of internet access and services throughout the country.

To pursue and satisfactorily resolve issues affecting ISPs in a systematic manner.

To communicate pertinent ISP-related information to stakeholders and third parties.

Achievements to DateAchievements to Date

Role in delivery of Internet services & promotion of ICT Invested since 1993 in educated Ghanaians on Internet Drove to establish the Ghana Internet eXchange (GIX)

through the Ghana Internet eXchange Association (GIXA, www.gixa.org.gh)

Cost, Cost, Reliability & speedCompetitive

Stimulation of growth in Local economy Income for over 13, 000 people across the country

AchievementsAchievements

• Achieved a 60% reduction in SAT3 fibre prices for GISPA members -$4500 for a full duplex e1 from Accra to the Internet and back.

• Co-operated with the incumbent to introduce a 50% off system for dial-up Internet access using the 15xx numbering system.

• Ongoing projects include negotiating to buy bulk bandwidth from the SAT3 undersea fibre-optic cable and addressing issues of professional SAT3 undersea fibre-optic cable and addressing issues of professional conduct and standards of service within the industry.

ContributionsContributions cont’dcont’d

2006 Indicators

Import duty & VAT payments from equipment cleared – GHC7.5million

Net VAT & NHIL payments GHC 10.8million Net VAT & NHIL payments GHC 10.8million

Direct taxes – GHC 5.8million

Corporate Taxes – GHC3.1million

Contribution to GDP in terms of business transacted on our network – 4.2%

Facilitating PenetrationFacilitating Penetration

International Bandwidth Prices

$12k - $4.5k

$1,650 now $250-$350

11k accounts to 64k accounts 11k accounts to 64k accounts

Growth – just above 5k subscriber base

CAPEX

Financial Capacity

Dealing with Global competition

Last Mile Connectivity options &Last Mile Connectivity options &ChallengesChallenges

Copper - Quality and reach

Satellite – Reach

Fibre – Cost Fibre – Cost

Wireless Frequency allocation & cost

Spectrum utilization efficiencies

Location challenges

ChallengesChallenges

High cost of International bandwidth

Inhibitive legislations

High cost of doing business in Ghana High cost of doing business in Ghana

Funding opportunities for the industry

Fighting cybercrime

Towards Cheaper bandwidthTowards Cheaper bandwidth

Regulations

Operator efficiencies & Partnerships

Competition – International & Local Competition – International & Local

Implementation of policies & Legislations

Governments commitment to connectivity

Name: Richard Hlomador Designation: President

Mail: president@gispa.org.gh

Q&AQ&A

Mail: president@gispa.org.ghWeb: www.gispa.org.gh