By Saidu Dumbuya
Addressing attendees at the Consumer Protection Agency office on Fourbay Road in Freetown, on the occasion of the commemoration of World Telecom Day, on Saturday 18 May, 2024, the National Telecommunication Authority, Manager Economic Regulations and Competition, Alexcious B. Ansumana outlined the Commission’s mandates. He disclosed that the commission’s responsibilities range from the Licensing and Regulation of ICT Service Providers in Sierra Leone. He said the commission plan, manage and assign the national frequency spectrum to probable subscribers as and when required. Ansumana said the commission is charged with the task of managing the national numbering plan and ensure fair competition and investment in the sector as well as the protection users or consumers of ICT products and services. He informed that they promote the progressive national ICT development as well as supporting Universal Access to ICT services. According to him they also promote Cybersecurity and resilient cyber space and enforce SIM/UIM Card Registration Regulations.
Ansumana furthered that the Authority has been working with consumer related organizations, adding that their role in the Telecom industry cannot be overemphasized.
President of Consumer Protection Agency, Ibrahim Kabia, said this year’s commemoration of Telecom day, marks an important milestone in the history of Telecom in Sierra Leone.
He described World Telecom Day as an important day because it reminiscence the role telecom has played around the world. He thanked Qcell Sierra Leone mobile company for honouring their invite irrespective of their busy schedule.
Kabia praised Qcell SL and described the brand as cheapest and fastest growing network in the country.
He called on them to continue providing quality services to the nation.
Qcell SL Head of Marketing, Edward Nelson Pratt said that since Qcell came to Sierra Leone in 2019, their services to their valued subscribers are second to none.
He said since 2019 to date, they have been able to cover the 14 district of Sierra Leone with reliable and unshakable network.
He maintained that they are they only mobile company that has introduced fiber cable to boost their network system.
Pratt informed that since the introduction of this fiber cable, Qcell SL network has been and continues to be second to none, noting that Qcell SL network is reliable, affordable and is the most efficient service across the country. He reassured that Qcell SL is poised to bring in 5G soonest. By way of easing or reducing their subscribers tress of moving from one point to the other is search of EDSA meter recharge top up, they have introduced Qmoney, which he said is now available across the country.
In terms of Social Corporate Services, Qcell SL is doing everything humanly possible to meet its obligations.
Chairman of the programme, Mr Komeh highlighted the significance of the World Telecom Day. Questions and answers climaxed the commemoration.