Barcelona, Spain – March 6, 2026 Sierra Leone has made a strong case for predictable and inclusive spectrum policies at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, with the country’s Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NatCA) delivering two powerful interventions during the Ministerial Programme.
Speaking at roundtable sessions on Spectrum Pricing & Renewals for Sustainable Investments and Inclusive Spectrum Policies to Connect the Unconnected, the Director-General underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable spectrum management, investor-friendly regulation, and bridging the digital divide for underserved communities.
At the March 2nd session, the Director-General stressed that long-term investment certainty is critical for digital transformation in emerging markets. He argued that:
- License durations of 15–20 years are essential to justify 4G and 5G investments.
- Shorter cycles undermine operator confidence and slow rural expansion.
- Excessive upfront fees restrict rollout and modernization.
- Balanced payment models, including staggered fees, better align government revenue with operator sustainability.
He further emphasized the need for transparent renewal conditions to reduce uncertainty and support long-term planning.
The Director-General highlighted the inefficiencies of parallel infrastructure deployment and called for greater infrastructure sharing to reduce costs and accelerate rural coverage. He pointed to Sierra Leone’s recent reforms, including guidelines for non-geostationary satellites, technology-neutral frameworks, and the deployment of an Automated Spectrum Management System.
On March 3rd, the focus shifted to inclusive spectrum policies. The Director-General called for prioritizing low-band spectrum for rural expansion, progressive coverage obligations tied to national development goals, and government incentives such as reduced deployment barriers and free land allocation.
He showcased Sierra Leone’s achievements through the Universal Access Development Fund, including solar-powered community sites, omni-directional antennas, and support for schools, clinics, and farming communities. He also noted the transformative impact of Starlink’s licensing, which has enabled remote clinics to access medical support and schools to benefit from online teaching.
Across both sessions, Sierra Leone’s message was clear: spectrum policy must balance fiscal objectives with long-term connectivity ambitions. The Director-General urged governments, regulators, and industry leaders to adopt predictable, transparent, and collaborative frameworks that encourage sustainable investment, expand digital inclusion, and strengthen regional harmonization.
He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to championing these principles both within the sub-region and the global regulatory community.
