Minister Bah Clarifies Government's Role in Internet Pricing Amidst New Unlimited Data Plans

Minister Bah Clarifies Government's Role in Internet Pricing Amidst New Unlimited Data Plans

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has issued a clarification that the government does not establish the pricing structure for internet service providers in Sierra Leone, asserting that mobile data tariffs have not increased, despite the introduction of new unlimited data bundles by telecom companies.

Minister Bah detailed that the cost of mobile data remains unchanged. He emphasized that the government's regulatory authority is limited to governing mobile call costs and foundational data rates, neither of which are impacted by the recent service adjustments.

He advised that consumers have a variety of market options and are free to switch providers if the newly introduced unlimited bundles do not meet their needs or financial capacity. Bah also recalled that a prior government attempt to impose a price ceiling on internet services was contested at the ECOWAS Court.

The recent market shift includes the launch of new unlimited bundles by Africell and Orange. For instance, Orange’s weekly Kolat Unlimited Bundle has seen its price increase from Le60 to Le100. Both corporations are also marketing other short-term unlimited browsing packages at varying price points.

Minister Bah underscored the increasing competitive environment within the telecommunications sector and encouraged customers to address service option inquiries directly with the mobile companies.