Growing concerns are emerging over frequent internet connectivity issues in Sierra Leone, following ZoodLabs' takeover of the International Gateway.
The technology and smart utility infrastructure company has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly after a major outage on Sunday, August 4, 2024, which lasted nearly four hours. This incident has sparked urgent calls for an investigation into ZoodLabs' management and the reliability of its services.
On
the outage day, services such as data connectivity, international voice
calls, roaming, and other operational activities were severely impacted.
According to a network incident report, the problem originated from ZoodLabs
and was eventually resolved, only after causing widespread inconvenience.
The incident's specifics are as follows:
- Date: August 4, 2024
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Impacted
Services:
Data, international voice calls, international roaming, operational
services
- Status: Resolved
- Start
Time: 06:52
AM
- End
Time: 10:10
AM
ZoodLabs has been known for providing high-speed internet services through its wireless broadband network in Freetown and has pledged to enhance internet connectivity across Sierra Leone.
This commitment was notably emphasized during the launch
of the Agenda for the Earth System Modifying Framework (ESMF), an initiative
involving open-source software for climate numerical weather prediction.
The
company's significant role in Sierra Leone's technological progress began when
Parliament ratified an agreement on April 28, 2022, between the Ministry of
Information and Communications and ZoodLabs (SL) Ltd. This agreement granted
ZoodLabs control over the Cable Landing Station, a vital infrastructure
component for the country's connectivity.
Despite their promises, the ongoing internet disruptions under ZoodLabs' management have led to serious concerns about their ability to maintain stable and reliable service.
Both stakeholders and the general public are now calling for
a comprehensive investigation to identify the root causes of these recurring
issues and to ensure measures are put in place to stabilize future
connectivity.
As
this situation continues to unfold, there is an urgent need for transparency
and accountability from ZoodLabs. The investigation aims to provide clarity on
the causes of the disruptions and to develop strategies for preventing similar
incidents in the future, thereby protecting Sierra Leone’s digital
infrastructure and maintaining user trust.
The
disruptions have highlighted the critical importance of reliable internet
services, not just for daily communication but also for the broader goals of
national development and technological advancement. Ensuring a stable digital
infrastructure is essential for the country's economic growth and its citizens'
access to information and services.
As
the demand for answers and solutions grows, the forthcoming investigation will
be a pivotal step in addressing the concerns of Sierra Leoneans and ensuring
the reliability of their internet services moving forward. The findings and
subsequent actions will be crucial in restoring confidence in the nation's
digital infrastructure.