(Ecofin Agency) – Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange are the two main Liberian telecom operators in terms of number of customers. They are in particular competition with the historic operator LTC Mobile.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has fined telecoms companies Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia $300,000 individually. The decision was revealed by Abdullah Kamara (pictured), acting chairman of the regulator, on Thursday, June 27, during the Ministry of Information’s regular press conference. The two operators are accused of non-compliance with existing regulations.
According to Mr. Kamara, Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia unilaterally decided to abandon the floor price offers implemented since 2019 creating an imbalance in the market. Other violations include, among others, the refusal of operators to submit critical data with revenue implications and the establishment of cross-border links not declared to the regulator.
This coercive decision by the LTA is part of its mission to create an environment that promotes fair market-driven competition to provide accessible and affordable communications services for all. The decision also affects consumer protection.
« These violations are serious and undermine our ability to effectively police the sector. We hope that these fines will put an end to these actions immediately“said Mr. Kamara. If Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia do not comply with the regulations in force, new sanctions are provided for by the LTA.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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