By: Fatmata B. Sow

Some people in Freetown have expressed dissatisfaction over the increase in mobile data tariffs and the challenges in accessing quality and affordable network for browsing. The frustrations followed after the National Communications Authority and MNOs recently reviewed prices which sparked reactions from CSOs and members of the public.

The Government of Sierra Leone recently released a notice on the increment of data.

Expo Times had an interview with some members of the public to hear their feedbacks about this issue.

Kadijatu Jija Jalloh, a year 2 student of the College of Medicine said that she’s using Orange network to connect, but stated that the increment of data has not been easy because the prices of data are too expensive, as she puts it. She added that it will be prudent to adjust prices whiles urging operators to equally improve services.

Zainab Bah an entrepreneur and a student at Fourah Bay College said that she is using Qcell for online communications, but noted that she’s been struggling to stay connected to the Internet which makes it difficult to for her to access to vital educations materials, health and banking services in Sierra Leone.

She expressed that previously, with 1GB, she can communicate freely, shop online and watch online TV’s and listen to online streams. But now, it’s very difficult to do all these due to the increment and poor network services.

Before the data increment, people in Sierra Leone enjoyed many affordable data prices, which allowed them to stay connected and explore the online world without breaking the bank. It was easier for individuals to connect with friends, access information online and enjoy various online services

However, the increment in data tariffs, the cost of accessing the Internet has become more expensive. This might have impacted the frequency and duration of people’s online activities.

Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, December 18th, 2023 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)