By B. Linus Flomo
(Freelancer)
The acting Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) early this week met with the regulatory bodies of Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) to commence discussions on establishing a no-charge roaming agreement.
This initial dialogue represents a significant step towards enabling mobile phone users in both countries to benefit from local rates while visiting.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2017, adopted a regulation aimed at controlling international wholesale and retail roaming markets within the region.
This regulation urged member nations to negotiate lower termination rates to make roaming more affordable thereby, encouraging travel, trade, and tourism across West Africa with an ultimate goal for all 15 ECOWAS nations to harmonize their roaming charges to match domestic rates, making communication more seamless for travelers.
To implement these changes, commercial solutions from mobile network carriers are required and these solutions would facilitate cost-effective agreements that adhere to the ECOWAS regulation in line with this objective, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority issued an Order in 2020, urging mobile network operators to implement the ECOWAS regulation.
Despite this directive, the activation process has been slow, service providers have highlighted several obstacles, including a lack of momentum in initiating bilateral agreements and concerns about the LTA’s surcharge on ECOWAS international incoming traffic, as well as the prevalence of roaming fraud in some West African countries.
The LTA’s Acting Board of Commissioners is currently in Ghana, working on fine-tuning a preliminary agreement that would mark Liberia’s first significant step towards enhanced telecommunications connectivity with another West African nation.
This move is expected to pave the way for broader regional integration and cooperation in the telecommunications sector.
Successful implementation of the no charge roaming agreement between Liberia and Ghana would enable mobile phone users to use their local numbers at local rates while traveling in either country. This would significantly reduce communication costs for travelers and foster stronger economic and social ties between the two countries.
The planned agreement aligns with the broader vision of ECOWAS to create a more interconnected and economically vibrant region.
Dr. Joe Anokye, the Director General of Ghana’s National Communications Authority, along with his deputies, extended a cordial reception to the Liberian delegation while the parties expressed optimism about the prospects of the impending free roaming agreement and emphasized the mutual benefits it would bring.
As discussions continue, the LTA and NCA will focus on addressing the technical and regulatory requirements necessary to bring the no charge roaming initiative to fruition and these include negotiating commercial terms with mobile network operators and ensuring compliance with ECOWAS regulations.
The collaboration between Liberia and Ghana is expected to set a precedent for other ECOWAS countries to follow.
The anticipated free roaming agreement is not only expected to enhance connectivity between Liberia and Ghana but also to stimulate economic activities by reducing the cost of communication for businesses and tourists.
It will also contribute to the broader goal of regional integration within ECOWAS, making West Africa a more cohesive and competitive region.
By addressing the concerns raised by service providers, such as the surcharge on ECOWAS international incoming traffic and the issue of roaming fraud, the LTA aims to create a more favorable environment for the successful implementation of the no charge roaming agreement.
These efforts will require ongoing dialogue and cooperation between regulatory bodies and mobile network operators.
Ultimately, the successful realization of this agreement will demonstrate the potential of regional cooperation in improving telecommunications services and fostering economic growth.
As Liberia and Ghana move forward with these discussions, they are setting the stage free-roaming of connectivity and collaboration in West Africa.
