By Sallieu S. Kanu
Orange Sierra Leone, one of the leading telecommunications operators in the country, has come under fire for its abysmal network quality, resulting in a hefty $1 million fine imposed by the National Communications Authority (NatCA). This penalty follows widespread public outcry over the company’s persistently poor services, raising serious concerns about its commitment to delivering reliable telecommunications.
As the ICT regulator, NatCA has invoked relevant provisions of its Act to penalize Orange Sierra Leone, while at the same time giving directives to Orange Sierra Leone to implement the necessary network enhancements before the end of February 2025. Failure to comply will result in further penalties.
NatCA has further urged Orange Sierra Leone to take immediate and effective actions to rectify the situation.
Regulatory Actions
NatCA, the government body tasked with regulating the ICT sector, confirmed that the fine was necessitated by Orange SL’s repeated failure to meet service quality benchmarks. Sources within NatCA revealed that the company ignored numerous opportunities to address customer complaints, despite repeated engagements and assurances of improvement.
Leadership Failures
Under the leadership of its CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, Orange Sierra Leone has not only failed to deliver on its promises but has also blatantly missed critical deadlines, including a December 15, 2024, ultimatum to improve services. Bah’s tenure as CEO has been marked by persistent failures, raising questions about his competence and commitment to leading a company that plays a critical role in the country’s digital ecosystem.
Public Dissatisfaction
The current crisis reflects not just a failure of technology but a glaring deficiency in leadership. Bah’s inability to address the growing dissatisfaction among Orange SL’s customers is a damning indictment of his stewardship. The fine imposed by NatCA underscores the regulatory body’s determination to hold telecommunications operators accountable for their service quality.