LTA Unveils Landmark Telecom.  Regulations to Boost Liberian Entrepreneurship and Service Quality

By: Emmanuel Toe

Monrovia-The Liberia Telecommunications Authority, through its Acting Board of Commissioners, has signed the first-ever regulations under their tenure, marking a historic moment for Liberia’s telecommunications sector.

These regulations, according to LTA Acting Chairman Abdullah L. Kamara, are poised to enhance opportunities for Liberian entrepreneurs, improve service quality, and boost government revenue.

The two major regulations, which were developed after extensive research, review, and public consultation as mandated by the LTA Act, are set to transform the telecom landscape.

The Numbering Regulations, which is the first regulation, introduces a revised Numbering Plan that provides a comprehensive framework for the efficient allocation, assignment, utilization, and management of all telecommunication numbers, including Short Codes, nationwide.

“With these regulations, it will help to enhance opportunities for Liberian entrepreneurs, improve service quality, and boost government revenue,” he stated.

According to Acting Chairman Kamara, previously, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) had full control over the assignment and pricing of Short Codes, often charging exorbitant fees.

“This lack of regulation created an unfair market, particularly for those entering the Mobile Money Market.”

The new Numbering Regulation, according to the LTA, will change this dynamic, making all Short Codes a national resource managed by the LTA.

Kamara further stated that the new numbering regulation will ensure equal access for all applicants on a first-come, first-served basis, with clear guidelines and standards.

The revised Numbering Plan categorizes Short Codes into 3-digit to 6-digit codes, with specific provisions for Toll-Free, Premium, and other specially assigned numbers.

“This regulation will help us eliminate exclusive perpetual rights to numbers, which will also help in promoting effective competition and transparency.”

The application fee for Short Codes is set at USD 25, with an annual authorization fee of USD 150, except for the limited 3-digit Short Codes, which have a USD 1,500 authorization fee.

This new framework decentralizes control over this scarce national resource, fostering competition and opening up business opportunities for smaller entrepreneurs, especially Liberians.

He indicated that the second regulation, the Regulations on the Wholesale Access to Telecommunication Networks for the Provision of Value-Added Services (VAS), will further support the LTA's goal.

The VAS Regulation mandates MNOs to provide access to Short Code businesses, ensuring fair, market-based access for these businesses to reach their customers through MNOs, and promoting sustainable wholesale access to non-telecom services.

Kamara further stated that over the next two to three months, the LTA has put in place a transitional arrangement requiring all active or reserved numbering resources to transition to the LTA.

During this period, MNOs will transfer their control and terminate existing contracts with Short Code businesses. The LTA will then determine the numbering authorization fee. This transition period is aimed at disrupting the market to foster a more competitive and transparent environment.

The LTA will implement appropriate measures to manage and monitor the implementation of these regulations, ensuring their effectiveness and adherence.

“The essence of these two distinct regulations is to open up opportunities for smaller businesses and to encourage Liberian participation in the ownership, control, and management of the telecom industry.”

He added, “This shift is expected to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, and it will provide a level playing field where new and existing businesses can thrive.”