Parliament Uncovers Orange Network Challenges, Demands Urgent Improvements

The Parliamentary Committee on Communications has urged Orange Sierra Leone to fast-track the modernization of its telecommunications network after a nationwide oversight inspection uncovered persistent service disruptions, safety concerns, and infrastructure deficiencies at several of the company's sites across the country.

The inspection, led by Committee Chairman Hon. Boston Munda, concluded on Sunday, 2 August 2026, in Bo City. The exercise brought together Members of Parliament, civil society representatives, media practitioners, and officials from Orange Sierra Leone to assess network performance, infrastructure conditions, and operational challenges affecting service delivery.

The Committee's assessment covered telecommunications sites from Newton in the Western Rural District to Bo in the Southern Region, where lawmakers received complaints about weak network coverage, aging equipment, fuel theft, environmental concerns, and safety risks affecting subscribers and host communities.

At the Newton site, lawmakers observed weak network reception before reaching the facility. Orange officials explained that while the company operates 3G, 4G, and 5G services, increased demand on its 4G network partly linked to the ongoing “Kola Promotion” has placed pressure on service quality.

Orange’s Chief Technology Officer, Sylvanus Sawyer, told the Committee that delays in importing spectrum equipment had affected the company’s expansion and modernization plans. He assured lawmakers that improvements would be implemented once additional equipment arrives in Sierra Leone.

The oversight team also raised concerns about the condition of some network facilities. In Port Loko, lawmakers found sites affected by oil leaks, exposed cables, and deteriorating infrastructure, while residents reported unstable internet services and raised concerns about possible safety hazards.

At Moyamba Junction, the Committee inspected a backbone site and observed challenges including fuel spillages and theft. Residents also complained about generator noise affecting their communities. Orange officials said measures were being taken to strengthen security and improve conditions at the facility.

Similar complaints were received from communities including Mile 91, Makoth, and Taiama, where residents reported unstable connectivity. At the Taiama site, lawmakers observed outdated equipment, which was identified as one of the factors affecting service reliability.

In Jembe Town, the Committee visited a rural telecommunications facility powered by fibre, microwave, and solar technology. Lawmakers noted challenges including overgrown surroundings, poor road access, and unresolved land arrangements linked to the construction of the site.

Despite the challenges identified at several locations, the Committee commended Orange’s Langba Street facility in Bo City, describing it as an example of a properly installed site with solar power, battery backup, and generator support.

Orange officials informed the Committee that the company plans further network modernization once additional telecommunications equipment currently awaiting clearance arrives in the country. They also identified fuel theft as one of the major operational challenges affecting some facilities.

Concluding the inspection, Hon. Boston Munda said the exercise had revealed important issues affecting telecommunications service delivery, including network performance, infrastructure maintenance, safety standards, and community engagement.

He urged Orange Sierra Leone to accelerate planned upgrades, improve maintenance of its facilities, strengthen engagement with host communities, and address the concerns identified during the inspection to ensure subscribers receive safer, more reliable, and higher-quality telecommunications services.