Sierra Leone set for international gateway review

After the launch of the Sierra Leone GSM Operators Association (SLGSMOA) last week, the group has called for a transparent review of Sierra Leone's international telecommunications gateway.

The national post and telecommunications authority's exclusive control over operation of the gateway is set to expire on Aug. 3.

"The association expects that the review process will be open and transparent. The association will be addressing the issue of monopolizing the international gateway with the aim of having the rights of GSM operators in terms of using their own individual international gateways restored," said SLGSMOA Chairman Robert Khoury.

Though the control of the gateway was deregulated after the launch of the first GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) operator in Sierra Leone, the operation of individual international gateways by GSM operators, which they claim is a provision of their GSM license, was revoked early last year and the monopoly was restored to the national PSTN.

The principle of a free market economy will always contribute to the creation of wealth, Khoury said.

"This move is not only in accordance with global trends, it will greatly increase the quality of service offered to end users, lead to an increase in our revenue and also contribute to a significant increase in tax revenue to the government," he said.

Information and Communications Minister Alhaji I. B. Kargbo Friday said that control of the country's international telecommunication gateway, which was awarded to the national carrier, Sierratel, restored life into the institution. However Kargbo also noted that the international gateway would be reviewed this year.

A study conducted by GSM Association in February 2007 shows that the introduction of competition into the international gateways market can reduce call prices by up to 90 percent and double call volumes. It used Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt as case studies.