By Grace Q. Bryant
Mobile network operators, in collaboration with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), have acknowledged persistent network challenges across the country, particularly in the southeastern region, and pledged to improve connectivity nationwide.
The CEO of Orange Liberia, Jean Marius Yao, apologized for the recurring network issues, particularly in Maryland County and other affected regions. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the network challenges, and we are committed to improving the quality of our services across Liberia,” Yao stated.
He assured the public that Orange’s technical teams are actively addressing these issues, emphasizing ongoing infrastructure repairs and future plans to expand coverage.
Since acquiring the Circle network, Orange Liberia has invested over US$245 million in infrastructure to expand and maintain its network.
Yao acknowledged, however, that comprehensive nationwide coverage remains a challenge.
“While we’ve made significant progress, there’s still much work to be done to reach every corner of Liberia,” he explained.
Orange has expanded its coverage into rural and underserved regions, adding 128 new sites nationwide, bringing 2G and 4G service to many areas.
According to him, in Maryland County alone, Orange operates 11 sites and plans to add five more this year to enhance reliability.
However, Yao noted that challenges such as difficult road access hinder faster expansion into remote areas.
“The geographical landscape complicates the process, but we are doing everything possible to ensure better service,” he said.
Rahul De, CEO of Lonestar Cell MTN, also emphasized his company’s commitment to improving service quality across Liberia, including in Maryland County and other underserved areas.
He confirmed that Lonestar is upgrading its infrastructure to address coverage gaps.“Currently, our network availability stands at 95%, but we are working to achieve 99% quality nationwide,” De explained.
Lonestar is enhancing its microwave connections and expanding infrastructure, with plans to complete upgrades by mid-year.
However, De acknowledged other challenges, including weather-related disruptions and mobile money cash availability issues, which have affected service in some areas. “We are addressing these issues, and we appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to improve connectivity,” he added.
Clarence Massaquoi, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Engineering & Technology at the LTA, voiced concerns over coverage gaps in both urban and rural areas.
He emphasized LTA’s commitment to ensuring that telecom operators meet service quality expectations. “We are closely monitoring operators’ plans to expand services and enforcing consumer protection laws to guarantee no compromise on service quality,” Massaquoi stated.
Addressing complaints about dropped calls and mobile money transaction failures, Massaquoi reiterated the LTA’s commitment to resolving these issues.
He noted that the LTA is implementing initiatives to address inconsistencies and improve network reliability.
In response to widespread network challenges, the House of Representatives has formed an Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Margibi County District 2 Representative Ivar Jones, to collaborate with telecom operators and the LTA.
The committee will identify the root causes of connectivity issues and propose actionable solutions to enhance telecommunications services across Liberia.
Both Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN remain optimistic that their ongoing investments and infrastructure upgrades will result in significant improvements in network service, ensuring reliable telecommunications coverage for rural and urban areas alike.