In an ambitious effort to enhance the quality of telecommunication services in Sierra Leone, the National Communications Authority (NatCA) hosted a landmark event at Country Lodge, Hill Station, Freetown, on January 23, 2025.

Representatives from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), civil society organizations, and key players in the telecommunications industry, including Africell, Orange Sierra Leone, Zoodlabs, and Quell, gathered to validate the 2025 Quality Service Regulations.

The event featured opening statements and musical interludes, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Mamma Sewah Noutra, the Deputy Director General of NatCA, addressed the audience on behalf of her boss, emphasizing that such engagements are part of NatCA’s continuous efforts to foster a cooperative and equitable telecommunications ecosystem.

She explained that the objective of the quality validation exercise is to create a transparent and accountable telecommunications system that balances the needs of consumers, operators, and the government. “This process will lead to a new regulation that revokes the earlier framework and paves the way for a win-win situation for all stakeholders,” she said.

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Noutra underscored that the reforms align with President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big Five Game Changers” initiative, aiming for inclusivity and nationwide connectivity improvements.

Representatives from various MNOs pledged their commitment to the reform process, expressing optimism about the introduction of a transparent and effective regulatory framework. The event’s high point was an engaging discussion, bolstered by a PowerPoint presentation by NatCA’s Director of Engineering, Sahr Sowa. Participants actively debated the proposals, raising questions and sharing insights on potential impacts and implementation challenges.

A few days prior, NatCA’s Director General, Amara Brewah, announced significant reforms to the pricing structures for telecommunication services. “We’ve just completed a Cost Study that evaluates all expenditures by mobile companies in providing services.

This will guide us in developing a pricing formula that ensures fair charges for consumers,” Brewah stated. He added that the pricing system would be periodically reviewed to maintain affordability and fairness.

DG Brewah reaffirmed NatCA’s commitment to ensuring quality services for consumers, emphasizing the delicate balance required to satisfy consumers, investors, and the government. He acknowledged the challenges faced by MNOs and reiterated NatCA’s openness to dialogue.

“Quality of Service is a big issue, but NatCA is committed to addressing it,” he said. This commitment was demonstrated recently when NatCA fined Orange Sierra Leone $1 million for poor network performance.

“We had to make it clear that the people of Sierra Leone deserve better, but we remain open to constructive conversations with operators to resolve challenges.”

In addition to addressing current challenges, Brewah highlighted advancements in 5G technology. “5G technology is in the trial phase, with operators working diligently to bring it to Sierra Leone. Starlink is now in the country, offering innovative connectivity solutions with minimal infrastructure,” he announced.

The event underscored NatCA’s dedication to fostering an equitable, efficient, and consumer-focused telecommunications landscape. With the new regulations poised for implementation, Sierra Leone is set to witness transformative changes in its telecommunications sector, paving the way for a more connected and digitally empowered nation.