Accra, 2 April 2020: The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) has issued these recommendations for the fair, responsible and rational use of telecommunications networks and the internet, during this period of the coronavirus crisis.
The industry’s initiative was informed by the need to ensure the optimum and seamless operation of telecommunications and emergency services during this period which seen increased voice, data and mobile financial services usage.
The Industry’s ‘ten commandments’ are as follows:
- Avoid the use of online entertainment services during digital traffic rush-hours ( 9am-11am and 7pm -11pm), to allow telecommunications networks to meet the most demanding needs of communication applications, professional office teamwork and distance learning, which are crucial to a large number of Ghanaian citizens and businesses and critical to the functioning of the entire economy. If you are using service like Netflix, YouTube reduce the quality of the videos from high to standard definition to conserve bandwidth.
- Turn off background applications when not in use.
- Avoid sending large digital files; if this is not possible, compress them, if technically feasible.
- Avoid sending bulk emails.
- Avoid unnecessary video calls, not only during rush hours but also at all times. Use audio facilities during virtual meetings.
- Take advantage of collaborative teamwork platforms and technologies with colleagues and do not exclusively use dedicated video applications.
- Download to your computer only the files necessary and prefer to send a link to the file’s location as opposed to attaching the file itself. We would encourage people to adopt Cloud Services for document storage, digital signage etc.
- Keep electronic devices up-to-date with the latest versions of their software, following manufacturer’s instructions, and also keep malware and digital virus protection software updated.
- Avoid letting children use streaming video platforms and social networks, and instead prompt them towards more creative, hands-on tasks.
- Adopt responsible internet etiquette. Consult Ghana Health Service on a zero-rated website (https://ghanahealthservice.org/covid19/ ) for updates and information for dealing with coronavirus. To reach out for help in times of emergency call 112.
Finally, the Chamber entreats the general public to take all the safety precautions and protocols given by the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service seriously; maintain social distancing, practice hand and respiratory hygiene as well as wash hands regularly. Stay home if you are within greater Accra and greater Kumasi areas movement restriction areas.
About the Chamber
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications is an industry association and a private initiative by the mobile network operators and infrastructure companies in Ghana. We are an advocacy institution established to help direct telecommunications policy, legislation and regulation, and pursue research towards the development of telecommunications.
As the voice of the mobile operators and tower companies in Ghana, we work through direct engagements with government (institutions), civil society, key stakeholders and consumers to shape the mobile ecosystem and maximize the socio-economic benefits of mobile in Ghana. The Chamber was registered in 2010 and inaugurated in 2011.
Media Contacts:
For the Chamber
Derek Laryea
+233-243476034
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For more information, please visit the Chamber corporate website at https://telecomschamber.com/