Orange Sierra Leone has introduced a trial 5G service for both postpaid and prepaid mobile users, offering improved speeds, enhanced connectivity, and reduced latency. Initially, this service will be accessible only in the Freetown Central Business District. The operator plans to conduct various usage tests to expand 5G coverage, aiming to boost both fixed wireless access and mobile broadband speeds.
This development marks Orange as the first operator in Sierra Leone to test 5G. Competitor company Africell is also preparing to launch high-speed broadband services, having secured 5G spectrum rights in November 2022.
Upon full implementation, 5G technology is expected to cater to the rising demand for high-speed connectivity, consolidating Orange Sierra Leone's position in the local telecoms market. Furthermore, it will play a pivotal role in advancing the Sierra Leone government's digital transformation initiatives. The technology's capabilities will facilitate applications like smart homes and buildings, smart cities, e-learning, e-government, telemedicine, virtual and augmented reality, streaming, artificial intelligence, and many more.
