The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has introduced two new regulations as a significant step towards enhancing the sector across the country.
They are the regulations on numbering resources and the regulations on wholesale access to telecoms’ networks for the provision of Value-Added Services (VAS); as these regulations are crucial in maintaining a fair, competitive, and innovative telecom landscape in Liberia.
The LTA’s initiative, according to a release is intended to address several key concerns as well as aimed to bring multiple benefits to the nation’s telecom industry, its professionals, and the broader economy.
The telecommunications sector in Liberia has been evolving rapidly, with an increasing number of subscribers and a growing demand for advanced telecom services but this growth has also highlighted certain challenges, particularly concerning the management and allocation of numbering resources and access to telecom networks.
Numbering resources, such as phone numbers, are finite and need to be managed efficiently to prevent scarcity and ensure that they are available for new services and future innovations in Liberia.
One of the primary concerns is the potential for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) with significant market power to exert unfair control over these numbering resources as such control can lead to monopolistic practices, where a dominant player might hoard numbers or use them in a way that stifles competition.
Similarly, discriminatory access to networks and subscribers can hinder the growth of smaller operators and new entrants, reducing the overall competitiveness of the Liberian Telecommunication market.
The regulations on numbering resources are designed to ensure that all national numbering resources are under the control of the LTA as this centralized control is essential for several reasons.
They are efficient allocation and use which by controlling the allocation of numbering resources, the LTA can ensure that these scarce resources are used efficiently and are available for new and innovative services.
Also, Preventing Hoarding and Misuse, as centralized control prevents MNOs from hoarding numbers, which can lead to a shortage of available numbers for new services and subscribers and it also ensures that numbers are used in a way that benefits the market and consumers.
While promoting fair competition ensure preventing any single operator from controlling numbering resources, which allows the regulations foster a level playing field where all operators, regardless of size, have fair access to these resources.
And revenue generation ensures efficient management and allocation of numbering resources and can also lead to increased revenue generation for the government, as reclaimed numbers can be reassigned or auctioned, providing a source of income that can be reinvested into the telecom sector or other public services.
Meanwhile, the second regulation focuses on ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to telecom networks for the provision of VAS which are essential for enhancing the user’s experience and providing additional functionalities beyond basic voice and data services, like SMS-based services, mobile banking, and entertainment services.
Promoting innovation and investment is by ensuring that all operators have fair access to telecom networks, the LTA encourages investment in VAS and this access allows smaller operators and new entrants to innovate and offer new services without being hindered by discriminatory practices from larger, established players.
Consumer welfare ensures fair access to networks ensures that consumers have a wider variety of services to choose from while this competition can lead to better quality services and more competitive pricing, benefiting the end-user.
Supporting ICT professionals’ regulations aims to give Liberian ICT professionals a meaningful stake in the industry and by promoting a fair and competitive environment, the LTA ensures that local professionals have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the growth of the telecom sector.
On employment opportunities, with a more dynamic and competitive market, there will be increased opportunities for employment, especially for those studying ICT and this does not only helps in reducing unemployment but also fosters a skilled workforce that can drive further innovation in the sector.
The overarching objectives of these regulations are multifaceted, focusing on both immediate and long-term benefits for the telecom sector and the broader economy.
For ensuring control and efficient allocation, by ensuring that all numbering resources are controlled by the LTA, the regulations aim to manage these resources efficiently which controls, prevents wastage and ensures that numbers are available for new services and future needs while promoting investment and innovation regulations create an environment that encourages.
