Telecommunications Act, 2006
The principal Act regulating the telecommunications sector in Sierra Leone and establishing the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM).
Summary
The Telecommunications Act, 2006 is the principal law regulating the telecommunications sector in Sierra Leone. It established the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) as the independent sector regulator and provided the framework for a liberalised, competitive telecommunications market.
The Act provides for the Commission's establishment, independence and functions, the licensing of telecommunications operators and service providers, the management of the radio-frequency spectrum and numbering, the promotion of competition and interconnection, the regulation of tariffs where necessary, quality-of-service and consumer protection, and enforcement powers, offences and penalties. It underpins the rapid growth of mobile and internet services.
It has been amended in 2007, 2009 and 2015.
Main provisions
- Establishes the National Telecommunications Commission as regulator.
- Provides for the licensing of operators and service providers.
- Provides for the management of radio-frequency spectrum and numbering.
- Promotes competition, interconnection and consumer protection.
- Regulates tariffs where necessary and sets quality-of-service standards.
- Provides enforcement powers, offences and penalties.