Liberia Warns of Telecom Duopoly, Pushes for New Market Entrants
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.
A prominent Liberian official, Clarence Massaquoi, voiced strong concerns at a recent Senate hearing regarding the current state of the nation’s telecommunications sector, warning that the dominance of MTN and Orange creates an almost a monopoly scenario. Massaquoi’s testimony, delivered on July 22, 2025, highlighted the potential for unchecked pricing and stagnation in service quality without increased competition.
Drawing a stark comparison, Massaquoi pointed out that a country like The Gambia, with a smaller population, boasts over 2,000 profitable companies, suggesting ample room for more players in Liberia. He cautioned that if the two dominant GSM operators were to collude on pricing, consumers would have only two options and little recourse against high costs.
Board Proposes License Review to Pave Way for New Entrants
In response to these concerns, Massaquoi, speaking on behalf of his board, announced a decisive plan to foster greater competition.
“It is the view of this board that upon confirmation, we are going to ask our technicians to give a database of frequency… to allow third player or fourth player to come in the market. When competition ensues in a free market system, it is believed that it will affect prices downwards.”
–Clarence Massaquoi, Chairman (Acting), Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA).
Massaquoi also revealed that some companies hold GSM licenses but have been inactive for almost two years, effectively warehousing valuable frequencies. His board is so determined that if these licensees fail to commence operations within two years, a process will be initiated to retrieve them so that the government as a whole can be intentional in creating a space for a third or fourth company. This bold move aims to ensure that valuable spectrum is utilized to benefit the public through increased service availability and competitive pricing.
Revitalizing LTC as a Viable Alternative
The official also suggested a strategic approach for LTC (Liberia Telecommunications Corporation), which he noted has been perceived as a liability due to lack of capital and profitability. Massaquoi proposed empowering LTC through a public-private partnership or by allowing a new market entrant to acquire a share in the state-owned entity.
“If LTC was empowered to have a public-private partnership or have a competing new third party, we believe there will be an alternative to Orange and MTN, and when competition comes, all players will fight to have a market share in our mind that will ensure quality service on the market.”
–Clarence Massaquoi, Chairman (Acting), Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA).
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.
