The Chief Executive officer of Universal Access Development Fund (UADF), Madam Mariama Moi has said in Freetown that the internet penetration rate is low in Sierra Leone.

She said despite all this, people still make use of the voice calls and data when it comes to the penetration and usage of internet in the country.

She disclosed that the Fund has constructed five towers in various parts across the country. She revealed that during the commissioning of the towers, they will be distributing smart phones to enable the people in the said communities use the service.

Md. Mariama said mobile network operators are contributing 0.75% of their annual resources to the UADF account which she said they are using to construct towers in under serve communities.

“We don’t do traditional towers like the mobile network operators but we do  cost effective solutions like the solar satellite system. We are working alongside the mobile network operators,” the CEO emphasized.

She emphasized that because the government realized that connectivity in the country, is a serious issue, they have agreed that two percent (2%) of the annual gross income of the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) be contributed to UADF. She spoke about the pilot project launched at the Western Rural District which she said will be expanded as and when necessary.