House’s Ad-Hoc Committee Holds Successful Public Hearing on GSM Companies and Regulators

Monrovia, Liberia: The House of Representatives' Ad-hoc Committee, established to investigate GSM companies and regulatory oversight in the telecommunications sector, successfully held a public hearing on Monday, February 17.

The hearing focused on the issue of poor network connectivity in Maryland County and other affected areas of Liberia. Attendees included the CEO of Lonestar MTN, commissioners from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), and the Minister of Post and Telecommunications.

Discussions centered on the quality of network services provided to subscribers across the country and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. The Chair of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Ivar Jones, emphasized that the primary goal of the public hearing was to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the operations of GSM companies, the regulatory role of the LTA, and the oversight provided by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.

According to a statement from the House Press Bureau, Chairman Jones noted that the hearing was a critical part of their responsibilities as representatives of the people, aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in the telecommunications sector.

“The committee is committed to gathering insights into the operations of GSM companies, understanding the challenges faced by regulatory bodies, and evaluating the overall impact on consumers, businesses, and the nation’s economic development,” Chairman Jones stated.

“Our objective is not only to scrutinize and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks but also to create a platform for open dialogue between regulators, service providers, and the public. Through this process, we aim to foster accountability, improve service delivery, and contribute to a telecommunications ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders,” he asserted.

Chairman Jones further emphasized that the committee would uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness. “We are here to listen, inquire, and ensure that any concerns or issues raised during these hearings are addressed with the utmost attention,” he concluded.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Press Bureau will provide updates to the public. The House remains committed to ensuring improved telecommunications services for all citizens and will continue collaborating with stakeholders to address network connectivity challenges.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.