The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has introduced two landmark regulations designed to reshape the nation’s telecommunications landscape.
“These regulations focused on numbering resources and wholesale access to telecom networks for Value-Added Services (VAS), aim to foster a fairer, more competitive, and innovative industry”, said the Acting Chairperson Abdullah Kamara.
As part of the process, Mr. Kamara stressed that the first regulation, concerning numbering resources, is a decisive step to prevent Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with significant market power from monopolizing these critical assets, indicating further that numbering resources, which include short code, USSD code, machine-to-machine numbers, and Toll-Free numbers, are essential for all telecommunications activities.
Historically, he pointed out that dominant MNOs have controlled these resources, making it difficult for smaller operators to compete effectively but 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.
Making reference to the second regulation, he noted that it 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 Telecommunications regulatory body added.
Moreover, he emphasized that the Value-added services, include a range of telecom-related services beyond traditional voice calls and messaging and are critical for innovation and consumer choice which shall promote fair access.
The LTA he said is fostering an environment where new services and technologies can flourish, benefiting consumers and encouraging investment.
Among other things, The two new introduced regulations are geared towards ensuring that the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) takes control over the Numbering Resources and Centralizes the control of numbering resources which is essential for fair and efficient allocation. “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 Commissioner Abdullah Kamara disclosed
.According to him, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s new regulations on numbering resources and wholesale access to telecom networks for value-added services (VAS) are poised to transform the telecom sector through which the promotion of fair competition, innovation, and consumer welfare, 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 S. Gbanyan, praised the LTA’s proactive approach to addressing long-standing issues of market dominance and unfair practices, 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 and by ensuring fair access and control, the LTA is setting the stage for significant growth and development,” he stated.
At the same time, Macdella E. Johnson, a small telecom operator representing E-Wallie and Tamma Cooperation, expressed her confidence: “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”, she added.
