Sierra Leone network operator Ambitel has announced its readiness to relaunch its services, following a payment to the country’s regulator the National Telecommunications Commission (Natcom).
John Weir, chief executive officer (CEO) at Ambitel Sierra Leone Limited, has revealed payment progress as a lead up to the operator’s launch before the end of 2013.
Weir spoke to reporters at Shangri La Hall, Freetown, referring to a payment of US$500,000 made to Natcom.
Ambitel has invested approximately US$18 million in Sierra Leone, aiming to increase it by 2016 with US$30 million.
The company sees great investment potential in the country, aiming to establish a value-adding, sustainable business to the advantage of local communities.
“Ambitel will launch its services later this year; we are currently interviewing and hiring local staff with senior local managers already being identified,” Weir said.
Launches for 55 sites in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Njala are planned and quality services to be provided include mobile voice.
According to Mark Knutton, chief commercial officer of Ambitel, youth-focused job creation is one of the key focuses.
The relaunching plans follow similar failed attempts in 2008, under which Ambitel was licensed to provide Worldwide Interoperabilty for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Internet Services Provider (ISP) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) services.
