Sierra Leone’s national telecommunications company, Sierratel, has officially resumed commercial operations, marking the return of the state-owned operator to the country’s mobile telecommunications market with nationwide GSM services.

The launch, which took effect on Tuesday, enables Sierra Leoneans to purchase and use Sierratel SIM cards on any GSM-compatible mobile handset across the country for the first time under the company’s new operating model.

The revival is being delivered through a public-private partnership (PPP) between the government and Africell.

Under the arrangement, Sierratel now operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), allowing it to provide mobile services under its own brand while leveraging Africell’s existing telecommunications infrastructure.

Government officials say the partnership enables Sierratel to focus on customer service, market expansion and rebuilding the national telecommunications brand, while the government retains full ownership of the company’s licence, brand and national assets.

This represents a significant milestone for country’s telecommunications sector, with authorities describing it as a model that restores the national operator without requiring additional public spending or the sale of state assets.

While Sierratel has long been recognised as Sierra Leone’s historic telecommunications provider, the company says its renewed focus is on serving today’s digitally connected consumers, including students, entrepreneurs, content creators and young professionals.

At the same time, the operator hopes to reconnect with long-standing customers who remember Sierratel’s role in connecting communities across the country.

To encourage adoption, every newly activated Sierratel SIM card comes with a starter package that includes 10 minutes of free voice calls, 100 SMS and 300MB of mobile data.

The company has also introduced a promotional recharge programme, offering a 10 percent bonus on smaller top-ups, while customers who recharge NLe10 or more will receive a 100 percent bonus during the launch period.

Sierratel SIM cards are now available through point-of-sale outlets in Freetown and across the provinces, supported by an expanding network of authorised dealers and agents nationwide.

The company has also established customer support services through its call centre and digital platforms, including its mobile application and social media channels, to assist subscribers and provide updates on products and services.

With commercial operations now underway, Sierratel joins a competitive telecommunications market with the ambition of re-establishing itself as a modern, customer-focused national mobile operator.