Firm launches low-cost messaging platform for Sierra Leone

For as low as US$0.10 each, Sierra Leoneans worldwide can now send and receive SMS messages through an international text messaging platform launched by U.S.-based Teleficient.

The service, which connects with all mobile carriers worldwide, can be accessed up via the company's textsalone.com site, and allows messages to be sent by either mobile phone or computer.

"This way, Sierra Leoneans can text for a flat rate of $0.10 per international text wherever you have mobile phone or can access the Internet," says Al Turay of Teleficient. "We understand the odds to connect back with family and friends back home. Sometimes you just need a quick errand taken care of and you may not be in position to call. We think this will save a lot and facilitate communications."

The reduced cost of sending text messages to and from Sierra Leone will cut costs for Sierra Leoneans especially those in the U.S. where major mobile carriers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile as well as carriers in Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, charge about $0.50 or more.

Presently, $5 worth of free service is being offered to registered users on the Web site for the trial of the new SMS service.

The service is likely ease the process of sending bulk messages in Sierra Leone as SMS capabilities have been confined mainly within the ambit of major telcos, some of which require special software for text messaging.

"To us, this is just a simple Value Added Service to existing technology to give all Sierra Leoneans the leverage to join the bandwagon of technology out there," added Anthony Kamara, in charge of business development and communications at Teleficient.