National Telecommunications Commission
The National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2006 to regulate the Sierra Leone telecoms sector, protect consumer interest and ensure fair competition among service providers. The current Board of Commissioners of NATCOM headed by Acting Chairman, Madam Madiana Samba is perhaps the sixth in a row since the Commission became fully operational in April 2007. The day–to–day administration and management of the Commission is entrusted in the office of the Director General headed by Mr. Daniel B. Kaitibi
Following commencement of operations since its establishment, the Commission crafted the strategic direction that it should adopt with a clearly stated Mission and Vision to surmount the various challenges in the telecoms industry so as to catch up on time lost in its late establishment as a national regulatory authority.
The Commission in essence started the process of restructuring by providing capacity building opportunities for the members and staff of the Commission; addressing the technical and monitoring needs of the Commission; setting a sound legal and regulatory framework; reviewing the licence conditions of new and existing operators and service providers; and providing an interactive forum (The Consumer Parliament) for the Consumers and Service Providers to meet with the Regulator and discuss issues pertinent to the industry.
The major policy direction of the Commission is the establishment of an effective, sound and dynamic licensing regime that is responsive to industry demands; and the regulation of the activities of telecoms operators aiming at promoting efficiency and fair competition; ensuring expansion in investment in the sector; and adopting rules and procedures that guarantee and protect the rights of users of telecoms services.