Orange Sierra Leone has officially discontinued its popular Kolat unlimited data bundle, citing sustainability challenges, network congestion, and the need to ensure quality service for the majority of its customers.
Launched in May 2024, the Kolat bundle quickly gained traction among mobile data users, driving internet traffic on the Orange network up by more than 80% in just a few months. Despite its popularity, the company says the offer became economically unviable.
A Disproportionate Impact
According to Orange Sierra Leone, the surge in data usage translated into increased cost of purchasing internet bandwidth from its internet service provider. In fact, data revenue increased at a rate five times lower than the traffic volume. This mismatch placed a financial strain on the operator, while the Le60 unlimited bundle only benefited less than 3% of its subscriber base.
In some extreme cases, individuals reportedly consumed up to one terabyte of data per month using multiple Le60 Kolat subscriptions, a usage pattern that Orange said strained the network and degraded service quality for other users.
The move, while unpopular among heavy data users, highlights the broader challenges telecommunications operators face in balancing affordability, access, and infrastructure sustainability.
Compliance with Regulatory Procedures
Before removing the Le 60 unlimited data bundles from their catalogue, Orange Sierra Leone fully complied with the regulatory procedures required under Sierra Leone’s telecommunications laws. This included notifying NATCA and engaging in discussions before implementing the change. The process was transparent, and no steps were taken outside the bounds of regulatory compliance, underscoring the operators’ continued respect for national laws and oversight bodies.
Impact on Network Quality
Sustaining the Le 60 unlimited offer had a significant negative impact on network quality. The excessive usage by a small number of users, some consuming up to 1 terabyte of data monthly, led to severe network congestion, especially in high-demand areas. This resulted in slower internet speeds and poor service quality for the majority of customers. Despite substantial investments in upgrades and capacity expansion, the continued strain from unlimited usage threatened to degrade service for all users and undermine Orange’s ability to maintain a stable, high-performing network.
No Price Increases for Other Bundles
While the Le60 Kolat offer has been withdrawn, Orange has clarified that there has been no general price hike or INCREASE. Other affordable data packages, including the Le15 daily bundle for 1Mbps, the Le40 3-day bundle for 2Mbps, and the Le100 weekly bundle, remain unchanged.
Sierra Leone Has the Cheapest Data in Africa
A study of 36 countries shows that a speed data bundle in Sierra Leone costs about $0.1 (Le.2.4) per MB, the lowest in Africa. In other countries, the same costs between $1 and $5.
Customer Communication Prior to Withdrawal
In line with our commitment to transparency and customer care, Orange Sierra Leone stated that they ensured that customers were adequately informed about the removal of the LE 60 unlimited Kolat offer. Public notifications were issued two weeks prior to the withdrawal, using multiple channels including SMS, social media, and radio and TV. This allowed customers sufficient time to understand the changes and explore alternative bundle options, minimising disruption and ensuring a smooth transition.
Heavy Investment, Limited Return
To meet the sudden rise in demand, the company invested heavily in its infrastructure. Over 2,800 cells were upgraded to 4G, international bandwidth increased from 27 Gbps to 41.5 Gbps, and 46 new densification sites were deployed across key cities including Freetown, Bo, Kenema, and Makeni.
However, Orange Sierra Leone said the scale of these investments was not sustainable in the long term, especially when driven by a small customer segment.
Commitment to Quality and Inclusion
In a statement, the company reiterated its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality internet services and ensuring digital inclusion across Sierra Leone. “We will continue to invest in our network, improve access, and deliver sustainable solutions that benefit all our customers,” the statement read.
