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The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has released ten pointers to consumers on the responsible and rational use of telecommunications networks as well as the internet, during this period of the coronavirus crisis.

According to the Chamber, the pointers need to be adhered to in order to ease communication during this period.

Many organisations have resorted to the use of the internet to deliver services as parts of the country have been put under a 14-day lockdown which entered into its fifth day, Friday, April 3.

Others are holding virtual meetings with the help of the internet.

But the service providers say people must begin to adjust the way they consume data, especially for entertainment purposes, in order to allow optimal use by those who depend on the infrastructure deliver essential services during this difficult time.

Read attached the full statement released by the Chamber

 
MOBILE INDUSTRY RECOMMENDATION ON FAIR USE OF INTERNET & TELECOMMUNICATION DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

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:

1. 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.

2. Turn off background applications when not in use.

3. Avoid sending large digital files; if this is not possible, compress them, if technically feasible.

4. Avoid sending bulk emails.

5. Avoid unnecessary video calls, not only during rush hours but also at all times. Use audio facilities during virtual meetings.

6. Take advantage of collaborative teamwork platforms and technologies with colleagues and do not exclusively use dedicated video applications.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Avoid letting children use streaming video platforms and social networks, and instead prompt them towards more creative, hands-on tasks.

10. 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.