As part of efforts to reshape the telecommunications industry, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has unveiled what is believed to be a groundbreaking regulation to transform the Telecommunications Sector.
The regulations introduced are twofold, designed to reshape the nation’s telecommunications landscape.
These regulations focused on numbering resources and wholesale access to telecoms networks for Value-Added Services (VAS) which is aimed atfostering a fairer, more competitive, and innovative industry.
The first regulation, as per the LTA vision focuses on numbering resources, which is a step towards preventing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with significant market power from monopolizing critical assets.
Numbering resources, which include short code, USSD code, machine-to-machine numbers, and Toll-Free numbers, are essential for all telecommunications activities.
Historically, dominant MNOs have controlled these resources, making it difficult for smaller operators to compete effectively and fairly.
By ensuring that the LTA controls all national numbering resources, the new regulation aims to promote a level playing field such as promoting equal access to telecom networks.
At the same time, the second regulation targets wholesale access to telecom networks for the provision of Value-added services (VAS).
The regulation according to the LTA is designed to stop discriminatory practices where dominant Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), may limit access to their networks or charge overpriced fees to smaller players and new entrants.
The Value-added services include a range of telecom-related services beyond traditional voice calls and messaging, which are critical for innovation and consumer choice which shall promote fair access.
The LTA believes it is fostering an environment where new services and technologies can flourish, thereby benefiting consumers and encouraging a competitive and fairer investment climate.
“This move will prevent any single operator from unethically distributing these numbers, ensuring that all operators, regardless of size, have access to the resources they need,” LTA Acting Chairman Abdullah Kamara stated.
According to the acting LTA Boss, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s new regulations on numbering resources and wholesale access to telecom networks for value-added services (VAS) are opting to transform the telecom sector through which the promotion of fair competition, innovation, and consumer welfare is paramount.
He narrated that the new idea will lay the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive telecommunications landscape in Liberia.
Meanwhile, voices from the telecom industry have termed the regulations as a mark of a significant step towards a more equitable, innovative, and consumer-friendly telecommunications environment in Liberia.
Speaking during the one-day public consultation, the National Telecommunication Consumer Organization through its representative Arthur Gbanyan, praised the LTA’s proactive approach in addressing what he terms as “long-standing issues of market dominance and unfair practices”
Gbanyan said this will lead to paving the way for a brighter future for all stakeholders.
“These regulations are a game-changer for Liberia. They address the core issues that have been holding back our telecom sector. By ensuring fair access and control, the LTA is setting the stage for significant growth and development,” he stated.
Similarly, Macdella E. Johnson, a small telecom operator representing E-Wallie and Tamma Cooperation, expressed her confidence noting: “For too long, small operators like us have struggled to compete.
These regulations give us a fighting chance. We can now focus on delivering innovative services to our customers without worrying about unfair practices by dominant players.”
