Parliament Orders Africell and Orange to Reverse Data Price Hike Within 24 Hours
By Reginald Brian O. Sawyerr
Sierra Leone’s Parliament has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to mobile network operators Africell and Orange to revert to their previous data bundle prices, following widespread public outrage over recent tariff increases.
The directive, announced during a parliamentary session on Monday, came after lawmakers described the sudden price hikes as “unjustifiable and burdensome” to citizens already grappling with rising living costs.
Members of Parliament voiced strong concerns about the negative impact of the new rates on students, journalists, and small business owners who rely heavily on internet connectivity for education, communication, and commerce.
Lawmakers further instructed the National Communications Authority (NaTCA) to enforce the decision and ensure full compliance from both companies. They emphasized that consumer protection must remain a top priority amid the current economic challenges.
The parliamentary order follows mounting complaints from the public, who accused mobile operators of exploiting subscribers through excessive data charges. Civil society groups and online commentators have also called for greater transparency in how telecom tariffs are determined.
As of press time, neither Africell nor Orange had issued an official statement responding to Parliament’s directive.
