NATCOM meets telcos over tariffs

At the second interactive meeting with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) operators in Sierra Leone on Tuesday, the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) regulatory body called on telcos to revisit their call tariffs.

"We are concerned about high cost of tariffs, poor quality services and anti-competitive activities by some operators," said NATCOM Commissioner Siray Timbo.

NATCOM also expressed concerns over some operators' deployment of sub-standard equipment and non-adherence to the provisions of the 2006 Telecommunications Act.

The government will review the activities of GSM operators and will establish a spectrum management team to monitor their compliance with the Telecommunications Act, announced Information and Communications Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo. The government has also placed a moratorium on the registration of new GSM operators in the country until the industry is properly regulated, Kargbo added.

Meanwhile, GSM operators at the meeting complained about the dues demanded of them by local council authorities, who the operators say have levied double payments for the erection of infrastructure.