By: Melvin Flomo
WhatsApp: 0778677647
CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – The Chairman-designate of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Clarence Massaquoi, has issued a stern warning about the state of Liberia’s telecom sector, describing it as a “near-monopoly” dominated by Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Post and Telecommunications on Monday, July 21, Massaquoi called for urgent reforms, including the introduction of a third or fourth mobile network operator to spur competition, lower prices, and improve service quality.
“You have GSM companies that are service providers, Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia,” Massaquoi said. “Mr. Chair, I do not want to scare Liberians, but if care is not taken to possibly introduce a third or fourth player, we will do nothing but follow as they demand.”
Hon. Massaquoi emphasized that the duopoly presents a risk of collusion and price-fixing, leaving consumers with little choice and poor service. Drawing a comparison with The Gambia, which sustains more than two operators despite its smaller size, Massaquoi insisted Liberia’s market has the capacity to accommodate more competition.
Central to his reform agenda is a plan to conduct a comprehensive audit of all telecommunications licenses, particularly those held by companies that have failed to operate. He criticized the current system of “warehousing” spectrum where valuable frequencies are held but not used and vowed to reclaim and reassign such licenses to viable new entrants.
“If I gave you a license meaning I’ve given you my frequency and you’re keeping it without operating, that’s warehousing,” he said.
Hon. Massaquoi also proposed reviving the long-dormant Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) as a potential third operator through a public-private partnership (PPP) or capital investment. “LTC is most often seen as a liability, it generates no profit because it lacks capital,” he noted. “But if we retrieve dormant licenses and allow a new operator to either buy shares from LTC or launch operations under a PPP, then LTC could become a viable third player.”
His call received backing from lawmakers, including Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, who acknowledged that Orange and MTN have failed to meet the expectations of the Liberian people.
“The two companies have not met the satisfaction of the people,” Bartekwa said. “We must begin to look at how to improve access, quality, and affordability in this essential sector.”
Massaquoi concluded by pledging that, if confirmed, the LTA under his leadership would prioritize data-driven regulation, market research, and consumer feedback to ensure reforms deliver tangible results for the public.
“We must open the market,” he said, “because affordable, accessible, and reliable communication is not a luxury, it is a necessity for national development.”
About the Author
