SL Government Apologizes for Poor Internet Service, Announces Major Tech Initiatives and Connectivity Expansion

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s press conference on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, covered a range of critical national issues, addressing concerns about internet service, highlighting significant achievements in the technology sector, and discussing Sierra Leone’s role in international affairs. Led by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, alongside the Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, the conference provided key updates and strategic initiatives that have far-reaching implications for the country’s development.

1. Apology for Poor Internet Service

Minister Chernor Bah began the conference by issuing a formal apology to the people of Sierra Leone for the current poor internet service, acknowledging the widespread frustration. He reassured citizens that the government is committed to resolving these issues, with ongoing upgrades by mobile companies expected to significantly enhance the quality and reliability of internet services across the country.

2. UN Security Council & President Bio’s Historic Address

Minister Bah urged the media to focus on the historic significance of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s address at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The President’s speech, which dealt with addressing historical injustices against Africa, was highlighted as a moment of pride for Sierra Leone. Not only has Sierra Leone secured a seat on the UNSC, but it also holds the presidency of the council for August, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s diplomatic history.

3. Achievements of the Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation

Minister Salima Monorma Bah provided an overview of the ministry’s achievements over the past year, showcasing Sierra Leone’s advancements in technology and innovation.

• Tech Summit Success: The minister celebrated the success of the recent Tech Summit, which attracted local and international ICT experts to discuss solutions for improving service delivery in Sierra Leone. At the summit, President Bio launched several major initiatives, including the $50 million Digital Transformation Project, the Felei Tech City Project, and the Star Link initiative.
• National Fiber Backbone 2 Project: Salima Bah highlighted the expansion of the National Fiber Backbone 2 Project, which has extended fiber optic coverage to 14 out of the 16 districts in the country. The ministry is working to achieve full coverage in all 16 districts. Additionally, the Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) has supported the launch of nine rural telephony sites in farming communities to boost the Feed Salone Project.
• Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing Training: Over 3,200 pupils and 500 entrepreneurs have received training in cybersecurity and digital marketing, thanks to partnerships with Orange and Huawei, helping to equip the next generation with essential digital skills.

4. Internet and Mobile Service as a Basic Human Right

Minister Salima Bah emphasized President Bio’s stance that internet and mobile services are now considered basic human rights, not luxuries. The government, in collaboration with private sector partners, has made significant investments in network infrastructure to improve connectivity. These efforts include the erection of numerous telecom towers and the landing of the Subsea Ace Cable, all aimed at enhancing network reliability and expanding access to digital services.

5. Connectivity Statistics

The minister shared impressive statistics on Sierra Leone’s connectivity:

• 96.7% of the population has potential access to mobile connectivity.
• 4 million people possess a mobile SIM card.
• Coverage rates stand at 96% for 2G, 95.9% for 3G, and 87.7% for 4G.
• Mobile data penetration has increased to 2.1 million people, reflecting a 15% rise from the previous year.

6. Sierra Leone-Guinea Interconnection Agreement

Salima Bah also discussed the progress of the Sierra Leone-Guinea Interconnection Agreement, which aims to establish a network connection between the two countries. This agreement is designed as a contingency measure to ensure network stability in the event of outages. The signing of the agreement is anticipated within three weeks, pending the finalization of technical details.

7. Mobile Data Pricing Formula

In response to concerns about mobile data costs, Minister Bah revealed that the ministry is developing a pricing formula for mobile data, similar to the pricing mechanism used in the fuel industry. This initiative aims to ensure fair and transparent pricing for consumers, providing them with better value for money.

8. Zoodlab’s Role and Infrastructure Updates

Mahmoud Idriss, Executive Director of Zoodlab, explained the company’s pivotal role in managing the subsea cable infrastructure, which is essential for internet traffic in Sierra Leone. The infrastructure, built in 2012, is undergoing maintenance to address connectivity issues. To ensure continuous internet availability, Zoodlab has established a new route to South Africa in addition to the existing routes to Paris and Lisbon.

9. Leocom’s Management of the National Fiber Backbone

Alimamy Thomas Momodu, Head of Operations and Maintenance at Leocom, detailed the company’s responsibility for maintaining and operating the National Fiber Backbone. This carrier network system provides internet services to mobile operators and ISPs. Leocom’s metro cable network now reaches all district headquarters, with the exception of Karene and Falaba, where discussions are ongoing to complete the coverage.

10. NatCA’s Regulatory Oversight

Abdul Ben-Foday, Director of Corporate and Industry Affairs at the National Telecommunications Authority (NatCA), confirmed that they are working closely with Zoodlab and Leocom to resolve recent internet disruptions. He noted that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are currently upgrading their services, with all work expected to be completed by the end of August. This will result in improved service quality. Additionally, this year, Orange, Qcell, and Africell are constructing new towers to expand connectivity further. Orange is set to build 50 towers, Qcell 50 towers, and Africell 118 towers.

This press conference highlighted the government’s proactive approach to addressing current challenges while celebrating significant progress in the technology sector. The ongoing initiatives and partnerships are expected to enhance the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans, promoting digital inclusion and driving the nation’s development forward.