Government, headed by President Julius Maada Bio has navigated its way out of a tricky negotiation with Mobile Phone Companies, to come out with a deal that satisfies all parties, that is the customers, the MNOs and Government.
In what is seen as a landmark engagement with mobile phone companies that were agitating vehemently for an increase in tariffs up to 120%, President Bio’s Government got the service providers to agree to a modest increase in voice calls, and an even lower if not negligible increase, in data.
Cognizant of the huge economic burden on the people, the Government’s key negotiators, the Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Salima Bah and the Director General of NaTCA, Amara Pedou Brewah successfully meandered their way out with the mobile companies to, first improve on the quality of services and restore bonuses and promotions, before finally settling for a minimal increase in the billing system which is set to come into effect on Monday November 6th.
The outcome of this delicate negotiation has seen two of the MNOs – Africell and Orange – introduce 5G technology to boost quality of service, and will also resume bonuses. The free calls at midnight will be restored by Orange and there are plans to introduce other promotions by the companies.
To also give something to the companies, whose overhead costs have increased over the last 12 months as a result of inflation and depreciation of the local currency, there will be a slight increase in tariffs. As stated earlier the increase is minimal in comparison to what is actually supposed to be. The negotiating skills of the Government convinced the MNOs to improve the quality of their services and a marginal increase in billing.
It is important for the public to know that Government averted a serious crisis that would have affected the consumers, the companies and even workers of the MNOs.
All parties are happy with the deal and the public is left smiling at the restoration of the bonuses in particular. The free calls are welcome news for students in particular who use the facility to facilitate their academic works and networking. The introduction of 5G will significantly bolster business transactions and improve on research work for students in particular.
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