Monopoly in Telecommunications Threatened in Liberia as Government Calls for New Competitors
In a significant move aimed at improving service quality and lowering pricing, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), led by Acting Chairperson Clarence Massaquoi, has announced a plan to foster greater competition in the country's telecommunications sector [2]. The strategy, which centers on introducing new competitors beyond the current dominant operators, MTN and Orange, is expected to benefit consumers socially and economically [2].
At a Senate hearing on July 22, 2025, Massaquoi, a prominent Liberian official, expressed concerns about the dominance of MTN and Orange, suggesting it creates an almost monopoly scenario [1]. He highlighted the potential for unchecked pricing and stagnation in service quality without increased competition.
The key elements of the plan include introducing additional telecom operators to end the near-monopoly situation, reclaiming dormant telecom licenses to provide opportunities for new entrants, and seeking strong support from the Senate and other stakeholders to facilitate these reforms [2][4]. The ultimate goal is to ensure better quality of service for Liberian consumers through increased competition.
To achieve this, the LTA plans to initiate a process to retrieve inactive licenses if the holders fail to commence operations within two years [1]. Furthermore, a database of frequencies will be provided to allow for a third or fourth player to enter the market [1].
Massaquoi's strategic approach for the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) is to ensure quality service on the market by encouraging competition [1]. He compared the situation in Liberia to The Gambia, a smaller country with over 2,000 profitable telecommunications companies, suggesting that increased competition could lead to a decrease in prices [1].
Some GSM license holders have been inactive for nearly two years, hoarding valuable frequencies [1]. By fostering competition, the LTA aims to drive lower pricing, better service quality, and expanded access, especially beyond urban centers into underserved rural areas [2].
The dual strategy of the LTA, under Massaquoi's leadership, aims to break the current duopoly in the Liberian telecommunications sector, ultimately benefiting consumers and driving overall telecommunications development in the country [2][4].
- To drive down pricing and enhance service quality, the LTA, under Acting Chairperson Clarence Massaquoi's leadership, is planning to introduce new telecom operators, reclaim dormant licenses, and secure backing from the Senate and other stakeholders, thereby encouraging competition within the mobile industry, which is a significant aspect of the business and finance sectors.
- In an effort to expand access to telecommunications services, particularly in rural areas, and stimulate competition beyond the current dominant operators, MTN and Orange, the LTA is initiating a process to retrieve inactive licenses and provide a database of frequencies, with the ultimate goal of benefiting consumers financially and socially while fostering growth in the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) and the telecoms industry as a whole.
