1. Ghana Internet Service Providers
Association
Delivering Solutions to end users –
Role of GISPA
Ato Sarpong
GISPA

2. Introduction
 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.

3. Achievements 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,
Reliability & speed
Competitive
 Stimulation of growth in Local economy
 Income for over 13, 000 people across the country

4. Achievements
• 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
conduct and standards of service within the industry.

5. Contributions cont’d
2006 Indicators
 Import duty & VAT payments from equipment
cleared – GHC7.5million
 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%

6. Facilitating Penetration
 International Bandwidth Prices
$12k - $4.5k
$1,650 now $250-$350
11k accounts to 64k accounts
 Growth – just above 5k subscriber base
 CAPEX
 Financial Capacity
 Dealing with Global competition

7. Last Mile Connectivity options &
Challenges
 Copper - Quality and reach
 Satellite – Reach
 Fibre – Cost
 Wireless
 Frequency allocation & cost
 Spectrum utilization efficiencies
 Location challenges

8. Challenges
 High cost of International bandwidth
 Inhibitive legislations
 High cost of doing business in Ghana
 Funding opportunities for the industry
 Fighting cybercrime

9. Towards Cheaper bandwidth
 Regulations
 Operator efficiencies & Partnerships
 Competition – International & Local
 Implementation of policies & Legislations
 Governments commitment to connectivity

10. Q&A
Name: Richard Hlomador
Designation: President
Mail: president@gispa.org.gh
Web: www.gispa.org.gh