Orange Sierra Leone is a prominent telecommunications company operating in Sierra Leone, established in 2002 as then Airtel. It is a subsidiary of Orange S.A., a French multinational telecommunications corporation known for operating one of the world's largest mobile and internet services networks. The Sierra Leone branch is part of Orange S.A.'s extensive network of subsidiaries across Africa and the Middle East. Over the years, Orange Sierra Leone has been committed to providing a wide range of telecommunications services and has played a significant role in the digital transformation of Sierra Leone.

Alias
Airtel Sierra Leone
Country
Sierra Leone
Type
Mobile Network Operator
Ownership
Orange Group
Orange logo

3G Network

The introduction of 3G technology in Sierra Leone marked a significant step forward in the country's telecommunications infrastructure. Orange Sierra Leone launched its 3G network in December 2011. This launch enabled faster internet speeds and improved connectivity for mobile users, laying the groundwork for subsequent technological advancements. The deployment of 3G services allowed Orange to cater to the growing demand for mobile data services, enhancing the overall digital experience for its customers.

Network Frequency Band Status
B8 (900 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

Orange Sierra Leone took a significant leap forward with the launch of its 4G network. On March 27, 2019, Orange, in partnership with Ericsson, launched 4G services in the nation's capital, Freetown. The deployment utilised Ericsson Radio System products to offer 4G across 60 sites, designed for low latency and fast mobile broadband. This launch provided Sierra Leoneans with fast and reliable 4G access, supporting online services such as HD video streaming and network gaming. In 2021, Orange Sierra Leone announced plans to launch a 4G+ network, also known as LTE-A or LTE-Advanced, which is essentially a faster version of 4G. This network enhancement, achieved through carrier aggregation, allowed 4G phones to receive data from multiple bands in the 4G spectrum, significantly increasing speeds. The 4G+ network was an improvement on the existing infrastructure, offering higher bandwidth speeds and lower latency. By 2024, Orange Sierra Leone had expanded its 4G services nationwide, strengthening digital connectivity across all districts.

4G Frequency Bands
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

Orange Sierra Leone embarked on the next phase of technological evolution with the trial of 5G services. In 2023, Orange Sierra Leone completed the necessary infrastructure to trial 5G services, following the approval of a license granted by the country's regulator. The 5G trial was launched in the Freetown Central Business District on September 28, 2023, during a Tech Night event. This trial marked a monumental step for telecommunications in Sierra Leone, promising faster speeds, enhanced connectivity, and minimal latency for both prepaid and postpaid customers. The 5G trial aimed to explore various use cases to enhance speed for fixed wireless access and mobile broadband. Orange Sierra Leone's initiative to pilot 5G services aligned with its broader strategy of expanding its technological footprint and empowering subscribers to embrace this innovative service. The introduction of 5G technology in Sierra Leone followed successful implementations in other regions, such as Botswana and Jordan, and was seen as a stepping stone for massive infrastructure investments to facilitate digital transformation across various sectors.
Date Event Subtype