Liberia Seeks to Break Telecom Duopoly by Attracting New Competitors.

This dual strategy of introducing new players and revitalizing existing entities aims to break the duopoly and ensure better quality of service for Liberian consumers.

The Liberian government has raised concerns over a growing duopoly in the country’s telecommunications sector, dominated by two major players—Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN. The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) warned that this limited market structure threatens fair competition, consumer choice, innovation, and service affordability.

Speaking at a recent public forum, LTA Chairperson Edwina Crump Zackpah emphasized the urgent need to open the market to new entrants. She pointed out that while the two major telecom companies have made significant investments, their dominance has led to high prices, limited service diversification, and reduced incentives for improving network quality.

Zackpah revealed that the government is now actively reviewing regulatory policies and licensing frameworks to attract more investors into the telecom space. These reforms aim to encourage competition by lowering entry barriers, enhancing transparency, and creating a more investor-friendly environment.

The government is also seeking to expand internet access across underserved regions, noting that the current duopoly has failed to address coverage gaps, particularly in rural areas. The LTA stressed that improving universal access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services is crucial for national development, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment.

Additionally, Zackpah encouraged local and foreign investors to consider the Liberian market, highlighting the country’s youthful population, growing digital demand, and commitment to improving infrastructure. She called for strategic partnerships to foster innovation and bridge the digital divide.

The LTA also plans to step up enforcement of quality-of-service standards and consumer protection regulations to hold existing providers accountable while preparing the ground for future entrants.

Liberia’s telecom regulator is pushing to break the existing duopoly by opening the market to new competitors, with the goal of boosting service quality, reducing costs, and fostering a more inclusive digital economy.