The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has issued a  warning to Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia, two of the country’s leading mobile network operators, regarding their failure to pay fines totaling US$600,000.

The fines were levied against the companies for significant regulatory violations, including breaches of the Floor Price regulation and failure to submit critical revenue-related data.

Acting LTA Chairperson Abdullah Kamara, addressing journalists on the sidelines of a public forum in Gbarnga on Saturday, August 10, 2024, emphasized that the two companies have yet to settle the US$300,000 fines each was ordered to pay following a ruling by the LTA on June 27, 2024.

“They have not paid yet, but they will pay,” Kamara stated.

He disclosed that both companies have requested a meeting with the LTA to discuss how they intend to make the payments.

However, Kamara made it clear that if the companies continue to delay payment, they risk facing severe consequences, including the potential revocation of their operational licenses.

“Once they refuse to pay, we have remedies,” Kamara warned. “We can revoke their licenses, something that we intend not to do, but if operators feel that they are the lawmakers and judges, that is not going to be tolerated.”

This warning comes as the LTA concludes a one-day Consumer Protection Regulations Public Consultation Forum in Gbarnga, Bong County.

The forum, which drew participation from local officials, student groups, motorcyclists, marketers, and ordinary citizens, aimed to gather input from consumers on the challenges faced by mobile network operators in Liberia and to discuss new laws for the protection of mobile phone users.

According to LTA Consumer Manager Lekpele Nyamalon, key proposed regulations include monitoring service consumption, requiring notifications for changes in service prices, protecting consumer privacy, and resolving consumer complaints and disputes.

Other important measures under consideration are maintaining records of consumer complaints, protecting children’s use of the internet, and combating fraud by scammers in Liberia.

The event provided an open platform for participants to exchange views and offer recommendations to the LTA, as the agency prepares to enforce these new regulations.

The ongoing tensions between the LTA and the two GSM companies highlight the regulatory challenges in Liberia’s telecommunications sector.

As the LTA pushes forward with its consumer protection initiatives, the resolution of the current dispute will be critical in determining the future relationship between the regulatory body and the industry’s major players.