By Fatmata Binta Bah

In the fast-paced digital era,staying connected has become an essential part of our lives, whether it’s work,entertainment and staying in touch with loved ones.The reward for data has witnessed an uninterrupted surge. In that light, having a reliable and sufficient mobile data is crucial.

Citizens from different walks of life have raised concerns over the increment in mobile data in Sierra Leone.

Expo Times reached out to sound the views of citizens on data surge and its implications.

Sulaiman Jalloh told this medium that heis  a user of orange mobile network,and ever since the increment in data tariff, it has been very challenging,considering the fact that majority of his affairs has to do with internet connectivity.

He lamented on how he spends more than NLe 50 only to get less than 3GB of data. He also described the quality of the internet as “frustrating”, noting that he does not get his money’s worth.

He added that data is at its peak wherein the average person finds it challenging to get reliable and affordable internet connection.

He emphasized that he has been experiencing the worst of service, especially after the increment; surprising to him is the poor coverage within certain locations in Freetown, the capital.

He said it should be improved, saying the internet service in the country is one of the weakest in the sub-Saharan region.

He pleaded with the government and mobile network companies to re-visit the drawing board and re-adjust the floor prices on data for the betterment of all Sierra Leonean, adding that service providers should think about their customers and render quality services.

Mohammed Daramy, a university student, emphasized on how the data increment has affected him greatly. He told Expo Times how he spends a lot on recharge card to purchase data in order to do his research and assignment, and as a result of the increment in mobile data, he barely does his research due to the fact that it is very costly.

He said the manner in which the increment in mobile data is occurring is a cause for concern, especially for university students, particularly self-sponsored ones.

He said he used to buy 1GB for just N|Le 15 and would serve him throughout the week,but with the increment, it is not even enough for a day.

He said based on his observation,Sierra Leone used to havegood internet connection andthe cheapest mobile data in the subregion.

He further mentioned that mobile network providers such as Orange, Africell, and Qcell should consider the welfare of their customers while he pleaded with them to increase the quality in order to match the charges for their services.

Daramy pleaded with the government to consider the less privileged when it comes to the increment in data prices and urged service providers to deliver their best and put their customers first.

Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)