The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has concluded a nationwide assessment of telecommunications coverage gaps across 14 counties, an exercise expected to inform plans for the construction of future telecommunications towers under its Universal Access Fund (UAF). The assessment, conducted by two teams deployed across the country, focused on identifying communities with limited or no reliable mobile network coverage, documenting connectivity challenges and determining areas where additional telecommunications infrastructure is needed. One team covered Bomi, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Bong, Nimba and Lofa counties, while the second assessed Grand Bassa, River-cess, Sinoe Grand Kru, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland counties.

The findings will provide an important basis for the LTA’s efforts to extend telecommunications services to communities that remain unserved or underserved by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), particularly in remote areas where commercial investment in network infrastructure is limited. The exercise seeks to address persistent gaps in telecommunications access by supporting infrastructure development in locations that are less commercially attractive to network operators. The initiative is designed to ensure that geographical location and economic circumstances do not deprive communities of access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services.

Currently, the institution has 15 UAF-supported telecommunications towers operational in various unserved and underserved communities across Liberia. These facilities are helping to expand network coverage and connect communities beyond the reach of conventional commercial telecommunications infrastructure. The completed assessment marks another step in a broader effort to bridge the digital divide, strengthen nationwide connectivity and advance universal access to telecommunications services. The proposed expansion further aims to ensure that Liberians, regardless of their location, can participate in an increasingly connected digital economy.