Sierra Leone
Mobile networks and carriers in Sierra Leone use 1 GSM band and 2 UMTS bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Sierra Leone. See the tables below for details.
Will your phone or mobile device work in Sierra Leone?
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Check device compatibilitySierra Leone's mobile network has undergone significant development over the years. Historically, the country's telecom sector was hampered by a long period of war and political instability, which limited investment and infrastructure development. However, with the World Bank's recent approval of a $50 million grant to extend fibre infrastructure, there has been notable progress. The terrestrial fibre backbone was initiated as late as 2019, and the cable link to neighboring Guinea was completed in February 2020.
In recent years, mobile services have been the primary driver of the telecom sector due to the poor state of fixed-line infrastructure. The number of mobile phone users has grown rapidly, with mobile phones now being as accessed as radio. The majority of mobile phone users rely on basic phones for making calls and sending texts, with only a small percentage using their phones for more advanced features like listening to MP3s or watching videos. Despite these advancements, there are challenges such as low literacy rates, particularly in rural areas, which affect the use of mobile phones for mass communication.
The government is implementing its five-year National Digital Transformation Project to improve digital skills and extend the provision of government digital services. This initiative includes the launch of a 5G pilot service by Orange Sierra Leone in the central business district of Freetown, aiming to extend internet access and improve digital capabilities.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Africell | 2 |
| Airtel | 2 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
| B8 (900 MHz GSM) | UMTS |
