By Yusufu Abu Sesay
Orange Sierra Leone has officially discontinued its widely used Kolat unlimited data bundle, citing sustainability challenges, network congestion, and a commitment to maintaining quality service for all customers.

Introduced in May 2024, the Kolat bundle quickly gained popularity among mobile data users, boosting internet traffic on the Orange network by more than 80% in just a few months. However, the company said the offer became economically unsustainable, as data revenue increased five times slower than traffic volume.

According to Orange, the Le60 unlimited bundle benefited less than 3% of its subscriber base, with some users reportedly consuming up to one terabyte of data monthly through multiple subscriptions. This, the company explained, placed a strain on network capacity and degraded service quality for the majority of customers.

Before withdrawing the offer, Orange Sierra Leone said it fully complied with regulatory procedures, including notifying and consulting with the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA). The company emphasized that the process was transparent and in line with national laws.

The operator noted that sustaining the Kolat offer had a negative impact on network quality, particularly in high-demand areas, despite major investments in infrastructure upgrades. Over 2,800 4G sites were modernized, international bandwidth expanded from 27Gbps to 41.5Gbps, and 46 new densification sites were deployed in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, and Makeni.

Orange clarified that while the Kolat bundle has been withdrawn, there has been no general price increase. Other affordable data packages—including the Le15 daily, Le40 3-day, and Le100 weekly bundles—remain unchanged.

The company also assured that customers were given adequate notice before the withdrawal, with announcements made via SMS, social media, and national media platforms two weeks in advance.

Reaffirming its long-term commitment, Orange Sierra Leone said it remains focused on providing affordable, high-quality internet and expanding digital inclusion across the country.

"We will continue to invest in our network and deliver sustainable solutions that benefit all our customers " the company stated