The Telecom war has just began

Accra (Greater Accra), 29 Jan. '99 - AGC Telesystems Ghana Limited (WESTEL) and Ghana Telecom (GT) are locked up in battle over an access code which will allow customers of the second telecommunications provider to get hooked to GT lines. Speaking to newsmen in Accra today, Westel accused GT of blocking the access code through which users of Westel paid phone cards could get to the GT platform. The code, 021-700-7000, makes it possible for users of the newly introduced Westel paid phone cards to use GT receivers and phone booths.

Dr Josiah A. M. Cobbah, Director of Corporate Development, said users of their phone cards could dial the access code on GT receivers and be welcomed to the GT platform, after which they can then make their calls. "When we started operations, the code was functioning, but since Wednesday, January 27, GT has blocked the code without any explanation, resulting in complaints by our customers."

When contacted, a director at GT who pleaded anonymity, admitted to the interruption of the code, saying that proper agreement has not been reached on that issue between the two companies. He added that the interruption was also necessary ''to protect the public and GT from being cheated by Westel''. Westel says it has launched an informal complaint to the National Communication Authority (NCA) and expects that proper action would be taken to ensure fairness among the players in the sector.

Meanwhile, Westel has connected another access code, 021- 700-7001, but GT says this is without their permission. The GT source explained that the code in question was connected without GT's permission and thus "it is received to our platform as a local call at a cost to the caller." He said this practice is a breach of the normal practice where there is a toll-free access code which welcomes the customer at no cost, until he dials the number of the one he wants to speak to. "In the event, the phone card units run out even when the caller has not been reached, the one he wants to speak to and Westel gain at the expense of the customer and GT."

The source accused Westel of ''playing tricks on GT, the public and the government by using that code'' and urged Westel to come through the proper channel and obtain a toll-free access code from GT. He called on the NCA to ensure that Westel does the right thing to keep up with the policy of the government to make telecommunication more accessible and affordable to Ghanaians. Ghana Telecom and Westel two weeks ago signed an inter- connectivity agreement to allow Westel customers hook on to GT lines.