The Sierra Leone state owned CDMA network operator, Sierratel has started voice call tests on its new CDMA network expansion. The CDMA network is a fixed wireless service to compliment the existing landline network and will have a capacity of 100,000 subscribers.
Sierra Leone's Information and Communication Minister Alhaji I. B. Kargbo said "So far, the voice tests have been very successful, and Sierratel is now desirous of distributing the handsets to members of the public to test, too, so as to verify its effectiveness as a modern cordless telecommunication outfit,"
The Chinese government provided a low-interest rate loan to Sierratel so that it could place a US$17 million order with Huawei for the CDMA network kit.
Sierra Leone is rich in mineral assets and the Chinese government has been active in offering financial assistance to African nations to secure supplies of oil and mineral ores to fuel its voracious growth.
The country currently has five mobile networks - but penetration level languishes at just 20.5%. Figures from the Mobile World show that the country ended last year with just under 1.3 million subscribers.
Posted to the site on 25th August 2008
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/33233.php