Addressing the audience, Mr. Konte disclosed that the telecoms industry in Sierra Leone including his Commission pays the highest tax to government in 2017.
Mr. Konte disclosed that Africell mobile phone company alone paid ninety four million United States dollars (US$94M) while Orange paid over one hundred million United States dollars (US$100M) to government as tax in 2017 which he noted is a positive development in boosting the country’s economy.
He emphasized that mobile phone companies are making huge investments in Sierra Leone and called on the people to patronize with these companies to enable them cover their costs. He appealed to the people to protect the equipment installed by the phone companies, stressing that they are very expensive.
He appealed to the people not to steal those equipment and fuel provided to the sites, stressing that anyone caught will face the full force of the law.
Mr. Konte underscored the importance of internet service in the world, noting that, it has saved several lives in Africa by 33%. He called on students to make good use of the internet service being provided by the phone companies in pursuit of their education.
In response to the request made by the Orange CEO for the granting of 4G license, Mr. Konte urged them to forward their application to the Commission.
He said: “As long as it seeks the interest of the people and government, NATCOM will approve it.”
