The Ghana telecommunications industry has launched a comprehensive fiber infrastructure standards manual to serve as a guide for industry players, enhancing the quality, durability, and efficiency of the country's fiber optic network.

The manual outlines technical specifications and minimum standards for every stage of fiber deployment; from materials used to trenching dimensions, pole spacing, splicing techniques, and ongoing maintenance protocols.

This document provides technical and procedural guidance for fiber deployment, serving as an essential backbone for both data and voice traffic in Ghana.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Telecommunications Chamber, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, the manual establishes a self-regulatory framework to ensure contractors and subcontractors adhere to industry best practices, particularly in preventing frequent fiber cuts and infrastructure damage.

He stated that; “This manual tells you what kind of equipment to use, how deep and wide the trenches must be, how splicing should be done, and even how far you must be from other infrastructure. It’s the benchmark for safe, quality fiber installations in Ghana.”

While lamenting the approximately US$10 million spent annually on fiber cut repairs, Ashigbey said the infrastructure repair costs would be significantly reduced if the guidelines outlined in the manual were properly followed.

“If we didn’t have to spend that US$10 million, we could extend fiber to schools, hospitals, and underserved communities,” the Telcos Chamber boss stated.

He further added that; “Better infrastructure means better service. Fewer dropped calls, faster data, and lower long-term costs for consumers.”

The document is also expected to play a key role in the government's One Million Coders initiative, providing a framework to train young people in fiber deployment and maintenance.

This, he said, will be an essential skill set for the country’s digital future.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology has submitted the manual’s specifications to the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), proposing its adoption as an official Ghana Standard (GS) through the National Technical Committee on Electronic Communication Standards (TC24).

Once adopted, the document will carry legal backing and become enforceable by law.

SA/MA



Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:



Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel


Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb's tour of Odweanoma Paragliding Field below: