Key points:
- Ghana ranks second worldwide for high internet costs at $2.58 per Mbps
- UAE leads with $4.31 per Mbps, far above global averages
- Limited competition and infrastructure costs drive high prices
GHANA has emerged as one of the most expensive countries in the world for internet access, ranking second globally with an average cost of $2.58 per Mbps. The ranking, based on data from TechGaged.com and the Digital 2025:
Global Overview Report, highlights the stark contrasts in internet affordability worldwide.
Ghana among the most expensive for internet
While it is often assumed that developing nations have cheaper internet, the latest findings challenge this notion. Ghana’s internet prices are nearly 40 percent lower than the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which tops the global list at $4.31 per Mbps. However, they remain significantly higher than the global average and surpass costs in many advanced economies.
Switzerland follows Ghana in third place, with internet costs averaging $2.07 per Mbps. This is nearly double what users pay in Kenya ($1.54) and Morocco ($1.16), which complete the top five most expensive nations for internet.
Germany also ranks high on the list, with an average internet cost of $1.04 per Mbps—50% more than Pakistan ($0.53) and 80% more than Egypt ($0.17). Australia ($1.05) and Canada ($0.66) also feature among the priciest countries for internet access.
Why internet costs are so high in Ghana
Several factors contribute to Ghana’s high internet costs. One of the main drivers, according to the report, is limited competition in the telecommunications sector. With only a few dominant providers, pricing remains high due to the lack of alternatives for consumers.
Additionally, infrastructure costs play a major role. Maintaining and upgrading network infrastructure, especially in rural areas, requires significant investment, which providers pass on to consumers. In contrast, countries with widespread, modern fibre-optic networks tend to have lower prices.
Government policies also influence costs. Some nations, such as India and China, heavily subsidise internet services or regulate prices to keep them affordable. Meanwhile, countries like the UAE and Ghana impose high licensing fees and regulatory charges, making internet access more expensive.
How Ghana compares to the rest of the world
While Ghana ranks among the most expensive for internet,
other nations offer far cheaper access. In contrast to Ghana’s $2.58 per Mbps:
- United States, India, and China have some of the most affordable internet, averaging just $0.08 per Mbps.
- Vietnam and Italy enjoy even lower rates at $0.04 per Mbps.
- Russia, Thailand, and Romania offer the world’s cheapest internet at $0.01–$0.02 per Mbps.
This vast disparity in pricing underscores the need for reforms to improve affordability in high-cost regions like Ghana. Increased competition, better infrastructure investment, and revised regulatory policies could help drive prices down and make internet access more accessible for all.
