In response to growing consumer protests over data reductions, Hon. Abdullah Kamara, Acting Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has addressed the concerns, attributing most grievances to promotional bundles offered by telecommunications providers.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Thursday, Kamara explained that these promotional packages are controlled entirely by service providers and are not subject to standardized limits or regulations.
Kamara clarified that promotional bundles are introduced at service providers’ discretion, making them unsuitable for consumers who rely heavily on the internet. He encouraged users to consider more reliable options, such as fiber or Wi-Fi services, rather than depending on promotional packages.
“Most of the data reductions that users are complaining about stem from promo bundles,” Kamara said. “The service providers entirely control these promotions and benefit the providers, not the consumers. For frequent internet users, I encourage you to subscribe to fiber or Wi-Fi services. The issue lies with the promos not designed for heavy users.”
Kamara’s comments come amid protests from consumers who have accused telecommunications companies of unfair practices and discrepancies in data usage. Many Liberians have expressed dissatisfaction with the rapid depletion of data bundles, calling for the LTA to enforce stricter regulations to protect consumers.
The Acting Chairman explained that the LTA’s regulatory oversight applies mainly to standard data services, with promotional packages being exempt due to their discretionary nature. He urged consumers to carefully assess their internet needs and avoid relying on promotions if they require consistent and extensive data access.
Additionally, Kamara announced that the LTA is working on introducing domestic roaming services to improve connectivity for individuals traveling within Liberia. The new initiative will allow users to make calls and browse the internet seamlessly across different regions, regardless of location.
“Domestic roaming is something we are actively working on,” Kamara revealed. “This will ensure people can stay connected while traveling, whether for calls or browsing.”
While acknowledging the limitations of regulating promotional packages, Kamara reassured the public of the LTA’s ongoing commitment to monitoring the telecommunications sector to ensure fairness and transparency.
