Sierratel Returns to Commercial Service with Nationwide GSM Launch
Sierra Leone’s national telecommunications company, Sierratel, has officially resumed commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector.
Beginning today, Sierra Leoneans can purchase Sierratel SIM cards, recharge them, and access nationwide GSM services using any compatible mobile handset. The relaunch follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, and leading mobile network operator Africell Sierra Leone.
Under the new arrangement, Sierratel will operate as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), providing its own branded mobile services while leveraging Africell’s network infrastructure. The partnership allows Sierratel to focus on expanding its customer base, improving service delivery, and restoring its position as the country’s national telecommunications brand.
The Government retains full ownership of the Sierratel brand, operating licence, and related national assets, while Africell provides the technical and operational support required to deliver nationwide services.
The relaunched Sierratel is targeting a new generation of mobile users, including students, entrepreneurs, content creators, and digitally connected customers seeking affordable and flexible telecommunications services. At the same time, the company hopes to reconnect with long-standing subscribers who have remained loyal to the brand over the years.
To mark the launch, every new Sierratel SIM card will be activated with a welcome package comprising 10 minutes of voice calls, 100 SMS, and 300MB of data. Customers who make their first recharge of NLe10 or more using a smartphone will also receive an additional 1GB of bonus data.
As part of its promotional campaign, Sierratel announced that customers who recharge below NLe10 will receive a 10 percent bonus, while those who recharge NLe10 or more will enjoy a 100 percent bonus on their recharge value.
Sierratel SIM cards are now available at designated point-of-sale outlets in Freetown and across the country through an expanding network of authorised dealers and agents. The company said dedicated customer support services have been established through its call centre, while its mobile application and social media platforms are also operational to provide subscribers with product information, service updates, and customer assistance.
Describing the launch as more than a commercial milestone, Sierratel said its return represents the revival of Sierra Leone’s national telecommunications company, providing affordable and reliable services while contributing revenue to the public interest.
The company further stated that the revival was achieved without government budgetary expenditure or the sale of any national asset, describing the initiative as the product of strategic leadership and a successful public-private partnership.
For enquiries, customers can call 111, visit sierratel.sl, or follow @Sierratel on the company’s official social media platforms.
