Buchanan, March 3, 2026 – The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) says its current leadership is committed to making a lasting contribution to the growth and transformation of Liberia’s telecommunications sector. LTA Commissioner for Licensing and Regulations, Ben Fofana, made the statement during ongoing public consultations on the newly developed International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) Regulations. The Authority’s regulatory team is in Grand Bassa County for a two-day engagement with consumers, including mobile phone owners and telecommunications equipment users, to gather feedback on the proposed framework. Speaking Tuesday morning on the “Dumboy Show,” Commissioner Fofana disclosed that the President has mandated the LTA to decentralize its operations and ensure its services and regulatory impact are felt across the country.

“We’re going to leave service with an indelible mark,” he said, emphasizing that the consultations are part of efforts to make the regulatory process more inclusive and responsive to the needs of citizens. Commissioner Fofana also highlighted ongoing initiatives to strengthen collaboration between Liberia’s two major GSM operators—Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN. He noted that the LTA is encouraging greater cooperation between the companies, including the sharing of telecommunications towers to improve efficiency and service delivery. He pointed to the interoperability of mobile money services between the two providers as a significant step toward enhanced industry coordination.

In the education sector, Commissioner Fofana announced that 156 Starlink equipment units are expected to be deployed to public schools nationwide to improve internet access. He further revealed that the LTA plans to transition Starlink from its current one-year provisional status to a full operational license in the coming months. According to the Commissioner, this move will help address persistent connectivity challenges and expand access to reliable digital services, particularly for educational institutions. The LTA maintains that sustained stakeholder engagement and strategic reforms remain central to its mission of advancing Liberia’s telecommunications landscape.