French media conglomerate Vivendi is set to bring its high-speed fiber optic internet services to Ghana, promising affordable, unlimited broadband to millions of households.
The initiative, unveiled this week during high-level talks in Accra, envisions a “revolutionary” rollout under GVA’s CanalBox brand, starting in the capitals of Accra and Kumasi.
GVA, which already blankets nine African countries with over 40,000 kilometers of fiber cable serving 2.8 million homes and businesses, aims to replicate its mass-market model here — delivering gigabit speeds at prices that undercut the competition.
“If this offering delivers what you’ve described — high-speed, unlimited internet at competitive rates — I’ll personally champion its rollout,” Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, pledged during a meeting with GVA executives.
Building In Africa
Vivendi, a Paris-based behemoth with roots in everything from music (Universal Music Group) to pay-TV (Canal+), has been quietly building an African telecom footprint since 2016.
Through GVA, it has invested heavily in fiber infrastructure across Benin, Uganda, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Gabon.
In Uganda, for instance, GVA recently pumped 50 billion Ugandan shillings ($13.5 million) into a Kampala fiber network capable of connecting thousands more users.
The timing couldn’t be more opportune. Ghana’s internet penetration hovers around 70%, but fiber adoption lags behind mobile data, which dominates via giants like MTN and Telecel (formerly Vodafone Ghana).
Fixed broadband, including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), serves only a fraction of urban dwellers, plagued by high costs and spotty service.
Providers such as Surfline Communications, Busy Internet, and Blu Telecoms had made some inroads but have mostly faded away and shut down operations.
Even satellite newcomer Starlink, which launched last year in Ghana, is seen as a premium option rather than a mass-market solution, with monthly fees rivaling or exceeding local fiber plans.
Plans in Ghana
GVA’s pitch in Ghana is unlimited data bundled, potentially with Canal+ streaming content to sweeten the deal for consumers.
Pricing details remain under wraps pending regulatory approval, but executives hinted at tariffs “designed to lower data costs and expand fibre connectivity across Ghana.”
Sam George, at his meeting with GVA executives, urged the company to submit a formal proposal outlining investments and hurdles — including easier access to power poles from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
He said his ministry stands ready to “engage stakeholders” to clear bureaucratic roadblocks.
This article was edited with AI and reviewed by human editors
