The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has sounded against unscrupulous individuals purporting themselves as Authorities of Starlink and advertising the company’s products and services.
LTA says it has observed that certain individuals and businesses are illegally promoting, marketing, and selling Starlink products and services in Liberia.
According to LTA, in some instances, unknown individuals are claiming to be authorized Starlink dealers.
“The public is informed that the LTA has not authorized any individual or business to provide telecommunications services using Starlink products and services.”
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority notes that while it has granted a provisional license to Starlink, its services in Liberia will commence only after the official launch.
“The LTA hereby tells all unauthorized Starlink dealers, marketers, promoters, and resellers to desist from fraudulently offering Starlink products and services to the public.”
According to the Authority, engaging in such activities is prohibited, and those doing so will face legal consequences.
At the same time, the LTA said it remains committed to protecting consumers and safeguarding telecom markets and will take all necessary measures against violators. LTA is warning the public to avoid transacting with unauthorized Starlink dealers, adding that anyone doing such will be doing it at their own risk.
The Government of Liberia, through Liberia Telecommunication Authority, after months of strategic deliberations, officially signed a one-year license agreement with Starlink. The deal was signed during a Cybersecurity Awareness Conference hosted by LTA on October 10, 2024, in Monrovia.
This deal grants the global satellite broadband provider the rights to operate in Liberia, offering nationwide internet coverage for Liberia. In this country, access to reliable internet is limited, especially in rural and less populated areas. This move is a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide.
The decision comes after three months of intensive discussions between the LTA and Starlink, part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has revolutionized satellite-based internet services globally.
Starlink is known for its ability to deliver high-speed broadband to remote areas where traditional infrastructures like fiber-optic cables or cell towers are impractical and costly to maintain. Liberia has long struggled with inconsistent internet access, particularly outside major cities like Monrovia. This lack of connectivity has hindered development in rural regions’ education, healthcare, and business growth.
The introduction of Starlink promises to change that, offering competitive broadband services at speeds comparable to urban areas. With this partnership, Starlink will bring coverage to some of Liberia’s most underserved areas, making it possible for people in isolated regions to access information and services online for the first time.
The move aligns with the Government’s broader goal of expanding digital infrastructure across the country, which is part of its national development agenda. Rural Liberia, where access to information, online education, and even essential communication is severely restricted, stands to benefit the most from this agreement.
Farmers can now access weather forecasts, market prices, and agricultural resources, while students and schools in remote regions can connect to online learning platforms. Healthcare systems could also see improvements, with telemedicine becoming more feasible in areas previously unreachable by stable internet. This is particularly critical in regions where traveling to healthcare facilities is difficult due to poor infrastructure or distance.
Starlink’s entry into the Liberian market is expected to shake up the country’s telecom industry, providing much-needed competition to existing providers.
With its affordable pricing and coverage model, Starlink could drive down the cost of internet services, making high-speed broadband more accessible to the general population.
As Liberia moves into this new chapter of digital transformation, signing the Starlink license is just the beginning.
The impact of nationwide satellite broadband will unfold over time, but its potential to boost economic growth, improve educational outcomes, and enhance overall quality of life is already evident.
