AirtelTigo, now officially rebranded as AT following the state takeover in 2023, operates as the third major player in Ghana’s telecom market, competing with MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana . While AT remains a distant third in market share, it has carved out a niche for itself by focusing on budget-friendly voice and data plans, including no-expiry data bundles, free in-network calls, and aggressive pricing for SMS .
This Accra Street Journal guide provides a comprehensive comparison of Telecel and AirtelTigo’s call and data offerings, pricing, network coverage, and key features to help you decide which network best suits your needs in 2026.
Note on Naming: AirtelTigo is now officially known as AT. However, many references still use “AirtelTigo” to refer to the same operator, which also has roots in the old Tigo brand.
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Part 1: Call & SMS Pricing Comparison
For consumers, the cost of making calls and sending text messages remains a critical factor, especially for those who prioritize voice communication over data.
Voice Call Rates
| Call Type | Telecel Ghana | AirtelTigo (AT) |
|---|---|---|
| On-Net (Same Network) | Competitive, especially with X Bundles; free community calls via *5888# | Very low (historical 3Gp/min) and free in-network calls with some plans |
| Off-Net (Other Networks) | Standard rates (approx. ~$0.33/min) | Standard rates (approx. ~$0.31/min) |
| SMS (Text) | Standard SMS rates | Offers some of the most affordable bulk SMS options |
Winner: AirtelTigo – Historically, Tigo (now AT) has been an aggressive price leader, being the first to drop call tariffs to 3Gp per minute for on-net calls . This value-for-money reputation continues to attract budget-conscious users.
WhatsApp & App-Based Calling
Both networks encourage the use of data for calls. Telecel’s WhatsApp Pass (GHS 1 for 500MB, valid 1 day) and X Bundles offer better value for app-based calls, making traditional voice call rates less relevant for data-heavy users.
Part 2: Data Bundles & Pricing Comparison
Both operators offer a variety of data plans—from daily to monthly, and popular no-expiry bundles.
Telecel Ghana Data Bundles (2026)
Telecel’s data offerings are accessible via the USSD code *700# .
| Bundle Type | Price (GHS) | Data Volume | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Expiry Bundles | ~5 | ~550 MB | No Expiry |
| ~20 | ~1.65 GB | No Expiry | |
| ~50 | ~4.4 GB | No Expiry | |
| ~100 | ~9.9 GB | No Expiry | |
| ~200 | ~33 GB | No Expiry | |
| ~400 | ~250 GB | No Expiry | |
| Daily Bundles | ~3 | ~440 MB | 1 Day |
| ~5 | ~770 MB | 3 Days | |
| Monthly Bundles | ~20 | ~2.42 GB | 30 Days |
| ~50 | ~6.05 GB | 30 Days | |
| ~100 | ~12.65 GB | 30 Days | |
| ~200 | ~38.5 GB | 30 Days | |
| Social Pass (WhatsApp) | ~1 | ~500 MB | 1 Day |
| Night King (Off-Peak) | ~2 | ~2 GB | 12 am – 5 am |
| ~5 | ~6 GB | 12 am – 5 am | |
| Unlimited Add-On | ~40 (Daily) | FUP ~100GB | 24 Hours |
AirtelTigo (AT) Data Bundles
AirtelTigo’s data plans are primarily accessible via the USSD code *111# . Like Telecel, they offer no-expiry “BigTime” data bundles.
| Bundle Type | Price (GHS) | Data Volume | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Expiry Bundles | ~5 | ~550 MB | No Expiry |
| ~50 | ~4.4 GB | No Expiry | |
| ~400 | ~250 GB | No Expiry | |
| Voice & Data Combo | ~5 | ~1.25 GB | 10 Days (“Yakata” plan: free in-network calls + data) |
| ~20 | ~5 GB | 40 Days (“Yakata” plan) |
Winner: Telecel – Telecel offers a broader selection of daily, weekly, monthly, and specialty plans (Night King, Unlimited Add-ons) . However, AirtelTigo is highly competitive on entry-level no-expiry plans and voice+data combos, making it a strong choice for budget-focused users.
Part 3: Coverage and Network Quality
Telecel Ghana
Telecel has significantly improved its network infrastructure since the Telecel Group acquisition, launching a $70 million modernization project with Huawei . However, its 4G coverage is visibly worse vs. MTN and is primarily concentrated in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi . In 2026, Telecel’s primary focus is still on expanding and densifying its 4G network.
AirtelTigo (AT)
AirtelTigo’s biggest drawback is its network coverage and speed. As of 2026, AirtelTigo users can expect a 3G connection in most areas, with 4G availability limited almost exclusively to the Accra and Kumasi metropolitan areas . For travelers moving outside the capital, AirtelTigo’s coverage drops off significantly, making it unreliable for consistent connectivity.
Winner: Telecel – While not as extensive as MTN, Telecel’s 4G network is more developed and reliable than AirtelTigo’s, offering better speeds and coverage for users in and around major cities.
Part 4: Other Key Features
| Feature | Telecel Ghana | AirtelTigo (AT) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Money | Telecel Cash (widely accepted) | AirtelTigo Money (less common than MoMo or Telecel Cash) |
| Customer Base | ~19.25% market share | ~7.5% market share (post-merger) |
| Unique Selling Point | “No-Expiry” bundles, Night King, Unlimited add-ons, X Bundles | Free in-network calls with “Yakata,” affordable bulk SMS |
| 5G Status | Ready to launch; awaiting spectrum | No current commercial 5G plans |
Comparison Summary Table
| Feature | Telecel | AirtelTigo (AT) |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Call Rates | Standard; discounted with X Bundles | Very low; free on-net with some plans |
| SMS Pricing | Standard | Highly competitive for bulk SMS |
| Data Pricing | Wide range; from daily to unlimited | Competitive on no-expiry plans |
| No-Expiry Data | Yes (starting at GHS 5 for 550 MB) | Yes (starting at GHS 5 for 550 MB) |
| Night/Off-Peak Data | Yes (Night King: 2 GB for GHS 2) | Not a primary focus |
| 4G Coverage | Moderate (major cities) | Poor (limited to Accra/Kumasi) |
| Speed | Average (4G in urban centers) | Slow (3G in most areas) |
| Mobile Money | Telecel Cash | AirtelTigo Money |
| Best For | Affordable no-expiry data, night downloads, and users in cities | Extreme budget users who prioritize voice calls and low-cost SMS |
Which Network Should You Choose?
Choose Telecel Ghana if:
-
You live in or frequently travel to Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, or other major urban centers where 4G coverage is reliable.
-
You want flexible data plans, including “No-Expiry” options, daily bundles, and affordable Night King off-peak data for heavy downloads .
-
You prefer having a functional mobile money service (Telecel Cash) integrated with your phone number.
Choose AirtelTigo (AT) if:
-
Your absolute priority is the lowest possible cost for voice calls and you primarily call other AT numbers.
-
You use SMS frequently and want the cheapest bulk rates.
-
You are on a very tight budget and do not require high-speed 4G internet, or you primarily use Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is AirtelTigo still operating in Ghana?
Yes. AirtelTigo is now known as AT. It was taken over by the state in 2021 and rebranded in mid-2023, but it still provides mobile services under this new identity .
2. Which network is cheaper for calls, Telecel or AirtelTigo?
AirtelTigo has a historical reputation for having some of the cheapest on-net call tariffs, including 3Gp/min offers and free calls with specific recharges .
3. Does AirtelTigo have 4G in Accra?
Yes, but it is limited. AirtelTigo’s 4G coverage is primarily concentrated in the Accra and Kumasi areas, while many other regions still rely on 3G .
4. Which network has better night data bundles?
Telecel has a strong night data product called “Night King”, offering large data volumes (e.g., 6 GB for GHS 5) strictly between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM .
5. Can I use Telecel no-expiry data on AirtelTigo?
No. Each network has its own no-expiry data products. Telecel’s “No-Expiry” bundles cannot be used on AirtelTigo lines, and vice versa .
Conclusion: Budget Voice vs. Flexible Data
The choice between Telecel and AirtelTigo (AT) ultimately depends on your usage patterns. AirtelTigo is the champion for budget voice calls, offering some of the most affordable on-net tariffs and SMS rates in Ghana . However, this comes at the cost of significantly weaker 4G coverage and slower speeds .
Telecel, on the other hand, provides a more balanced package for the modern smartphone user. While its voice rates are standard, its data offerings are superior, with a wider range of plans, excellent no-expiry options, and the highly practical Night King bundles for off-peak heavy usage .
For a user living in Accra or Kumasi who relies heavily on WhatsApp, streaming, and downloads, Telecel is the superior choice. For someone who primarily makes voice calls, uses SMS, and is on an extremely tight budget, AirtelTigo (AT) remains a viable option.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on April 10, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
