By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Freetown, Sierra Leone Sierra Leone’s Parliament has ordered mobile network providers Africell and Orange to reinstate the popular Le60 weekly data bundle within 24 hours following public outcry over recent changes to their data services.
The directive was issued on Friday, November 7, 2025, during a parliamentary session in which representatives from the mobile operators were summoned to address concerns regarding the adjustments. These changes, notably the effective discontinuation of the Le60 weekly plan, have raised alarms, particularly among students who rely on affordable data for their educational needs.
During the session, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition, expressed strong discontent over the impact of the price changes on the student population. He emphasized the importance of the Le60 bundle for students, arguing that its removal would adversely affect their academic performance. Kargbo urged Africell and Orange to reconsider their new pricing structure immediately.
Previously, Orange Sierra Leone announced the discontinuation of the Le60 bundle, transitioning customers to a Le100 weekly plan that offers a faster speed of 2Mbps. Meanwhile, Africell replaced its unlimited weekly plan with a five-day unlimited bundle priced at Le80, also offering 2Mbps.
When questioned about the rationale behind these changes, Sekou Amadou Bah, Director General of Orange Sierra Leone, clarified that the companies had not increased the price of data itself. He stated that the adjustments were intended to enhance data speeds and manage network congestion, positioning the new plans as offering greater value.
Despite these justifications, the parliamentary committee remained firm in its commitment to consumer protection. In his closing remarks, committee chairman Hon. Boston Munda ordered the mobile operators to revert to the previous weekly data pricing within the stipulated 24-hour timeframe.
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