The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has marked a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation drive with the presentation and demonstration of a state-of-the-art Spectrum Monitoring System and Telecommunications Equipment.
Speaking at the NatCA Tower in Freetown on Wednesday 28th October 2026, Director General Amara Brewah welcomed the Honourable Chief Minister, the Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, World Bank representatives, board members, licensed operators and development partners, describing the project as a game-changer for the nation’s communications sector.
“This project represents a major investment in Sierra Leone’s communications regulatory infrastructure,” DG Brewah said.
The project, which falls under the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project funded by the World Bank and implemented through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, has delivered four essential capabilities that will modernize how NatCA regulates the sector.
According to DG Brewah, the new systems include:
First, the Mobile Spectrum Monitoring System, installed in a specially configured vehicle, which will enable real-time spectrum monitoring, signal analysis, direction finding, interference detection and enforcement operations nationwide.
Second, the Automated Spectrum Management System, which will digitise and modernise frequency assignment, licensing, spectrum planning and coordination processes, improving efficiency, accuracy and transparency.
Third, the Mobile Quality of Service Measurement System, which provides specialized drive-test equipment and vehicles, enabling NatCA to independently assess network coverage, internet speeds, voice quality and the overall experience of telecom consumers, a long-standing public complaint.
Fourth, portable monitoring tools, including spectrum analysers, electromagnetic field measurement equipment, broadcasting signal analysers and earth ground resistance meters, to strengthen field inspections and broadcasting oversight.
DG Brewah emphasized that radio frequency spectrum is a scarce and valuable national resource that underpins mobile communications, internet connectivity, broadcasting, digital financial services, public safety, education and e-government.
“With these modern tools, NatCA is better equipped to protect this resource, promote fair and efficient spectrum utilization, resolve interference more promptly, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and hold licensed operators accountable for the quality of services delivered to the public,” he stated.
He assured Sierra Leoneans that citizens and businesses should now benefit from improved connectivity, more reliable services, faster resolution of technical problems and greater confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem.
The DG thanked the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, the World Bank and all partners and contractors for making the achievement possible.
“NatCA remains committed to regulatory excellence, consumer protection, and building a modern, resilient, and inclusive communications sector. Together, we are laying a stronger foundation for Sierra Leone’s digital future,” Brewah concluded.
The demonstration of the equipment yesterday included a live display of how the monitoring vehicle tracks illegal frequencies and how the Quality of Service vans will measure internet speeds and voice quality across the country.
Stakeholders described the investment as timely, coming at a time when Sierra Leoneans have repeatedly complained about poor network quality, dropped calls and slow internet, with little independent verification.
With this new system, NatCA says it will no longer rely on reports from mobile operators, but will independently test and publish quality of service results.