SIERRA LEONE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LIMITED (SIERRATEL) By Francis Macfoy) ITU/ICTP Workshop on New Radiocommunication Technologies for ICT in Developing Countries (Africa Region) Trieste, Italy, May 17-21, 2004

HISTORY Only state-owned telecommunication operator Merger between Sierra Leone External Telecommunications Company LTD (SLET) and Sierra Leone National Telecommunications (SLNTC) 1995 BY THE (NPRC)

SLET Responsible for external communications

SLNTC Responsible for post and internal communication

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Reason for merger To provide a fast and reliable means of communication

PROBLEMS The managements of both SLNTC and SLET refused to work as one and as a result undermining each other’s effort Undertaking white-elephant projects Low salaries which leads to workers not giving their best. Refused training facility for staff There is no independent regulatory authority, and the Ministry of Transport, Communication and the Environment regulate the telecommunications sector.

SERVICES Frequency allocation to subscribers Internet PSTN

GOVERNMENT PLANS Seeking a strategic partner as a 49% shareholder in Sierratel; Embarking in a joint venture exercise to introduce cellular and paging services. Millicom of Luxembourg and Ericsson were considered as potential partner for cellular network ; Introducing competition in some market segments; and · Establishing an independent regulator.

DEPARTMENT QoS/CADS

RESPONSIBILITES Coordination and operation of Network Technical support for computer operators, networks and their OS Oversees the maintenance of an up-to-date database Insures timely delivery of reports Production of monthly telephone bills Software installation and Hardware maintenance Attends workshops and seminars to maintain up- to-date knowledge of NOS