SIERRA LEONE TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LIMITED SIERRATEL By Francis

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

Thank you for your attention and wish you all a safe journey home

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 • Qo. S/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 upto-date knowledge of NOS