Monrovia – When the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, under the acting management headed by Abdullah Kamara imposed a hefty fine on Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia in June this year for allegedly engaging in unhealthy business competition, it did not envisage that citizens would be greatly affected when the GSM companies cancel their promotion.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh @frontpageafricaonline.com
Nearly six months later, there are signs that the LTA decision is backfiring. A group of aggrieved citizens have announced a two-day protest to express their disappointment and call on the Government to compel the company to restore the promotional packages.
The protesters said: “In a country already dealing with severe poverty and staggering unemployment rates, the recent hike in internet data prices is not just an inconvenience—it is a profound injustice. For many Liberians, affordable internet access is a lifeline for education, employment opportunities, and staying connected with loved ones. The abrupt increase in data costs, especially during this Christmas Season, has plunged countless families into deeper financial distress, stripping away a critical resource that should be accessible to all.”
How did we get here?
In late June, the LTAissued a 14-day ultimatum to both Lonestar MTN and Orange Liberia, compelling each to pay a fine of $300,000.
Accordingly, the LTA said the fines were based on four counts of serious regulatory violations — including a floor price violation and the refusal to submit critical data with revenue implications.
The floor price is a regulatory intervention tool used to stabilize a declining market by setting a minimum price.
Kamara, addressing the media at the Ministry of Information press briefing, said in 2019, it was employed to set a minimum consumer package price for both data and voice services to mitigate price wars between providers.
He explained that both companies were engaging in a competitive strategy, which aimed to attract more consumers by offering more minutes per dollar than their competitors at prices lower than the market standard.
Kamara said that the violation led to both providers unable to expand their networks and towers were being decommissioned nationwide and the laying off of employees.
Fast forward, that decision has backfired. The companies have drastically reduced their promotions. It once sold 15G for US$5 and 12G for US$3. They reduced it and Scores of Liberians have expressed their anger and called on the government to prevail on the companies to restore the offers.
In a press statement, the group announced a massive protest slated for Monday, today December 16, 2024, and Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The protest, dubbed “Bring Back Our Data,” aims to confront the recent internet data price hikes and the removal of three days of free calls, measures implemented by the LTA that have sparked widespread outrage.
The group argues that these changes have inflicted severe economic hardships on already struggling Liberians. In a country grappling with poverty and unemployment, affordable internet access is vital for education, job opportunities, and maintaining communication.
The Demands
The protesters are calling on the government and the LTA to restore Affordable Data Prices: Revert internet data prices to pre-December 9 levels, where $5 provided 15 GB and $3 provided 12 GB, enforce Fair Floor Prices by ensuring that telecom companies offer fair pricing, free from exploitative practices, and that LTA fulfills its regulatory duties transparently.
The group also called for an end to “deceptive Promotions’. They called on companies to stop misleading promotional strategies and provide genuine value to consumers. That also called on the company to reinstate ‘Three Days of Free Calls’; this essential service, which is a lifeline for many families.
The Impact
The sudden rise in internet costs has worsened financial struggles for countless households, especially during the festive season. Protest organizers argue that the policy exacerbates Liberia’s digital divide, undermines education, and adds to the already crushing economic burdens faced by the population.
“This is not just about data prices,” the group stated in its release. “This is about justice, equity, and ensuring that essential services remain accessible to all Liberians, not just the privileged few.”
Planned Protests
That group announced that on Monday, today, Protesters will gather at OZ Nightclub on the ELWA Road at 8:00 AM and march to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority’s offices to deliver their petition.
In a country already dealing with severe poverty and staggering unemployment rates, the recent hike in internet data prices is not just an inconvenience—it is a profound injustice. For many Liberians, affordable internet access is a lifeline for education, employment opportunities, and staying connected with loved ones. The abrupt increase in data costs, especially during this Christmas Season, has plunged countless families into deeper financial distress, stripping away a critical resource that should be accessible to all.
‘Bring Back Our Data’ Protesters
On Tuesday, December 17, the march will start at Invincible Park and proceed to the Executive Mansion, where the group will present their demands to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
The group urged all Liberians to join the peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the fight for fairness in telecommunications policies.
“This is a fight for our rights, our dignity, and our future,” the statement concluded. “Together, we can compel our leaders to listen and act in the interest of the people.”
The LTA response
As part of its early response to the many calls of condemnations, the LTA said it has authorized Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to offer promotional prices for consumers, effective Saturday, December 14, 2024.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), in consultation with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the National Association of Telecom Users of Liberia (NATELCO), has concluded on bringing back promotions that offer additional data on popular bundles. Together, the LTA, Service Providers, NATELCO and other stakeholders have taken significant steps to keep data affordable for everyone in Liberia. More permanent measures are being developed to ensure affordable data in the long run. While these consultations are ongoing, we urge the public to be patient and rest assured that promotional offers brought back as of today and providing relief will remain in effect until a positive and lasting solution is implemented. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we work together to serve the people of Liberia.
Abdullah L. Kamara, Acting Chairman, Liberia Telecommunications Authority
On Saturday, the LTA shared on its Facebook that consultations were held with the National Association of Telecom Consumers (NATELCO) and Mobile Network Operators to address public concerns regarding telecommunications service pricing. As a result, the pricing adjustments will take effect on Saturday, December 14, 2024. However, that didn’t happen.
When contacted, the LTA shared a statement by Chairman Kamara in which he reiterated the LTA’s decision to bring back the promotions for additional data.
“The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), in consultation with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the National Association of Telecom Users of Liberia (NATELCO), has concluded on bringing back promotions that offer additional data on popular bundles. Together, the LTA, Service Providers, NATELCO and other stakeholders have taken significant steps to keep data affordable for everyone in Liberia,” he said. He continued: “More permanent measures are being developed to ensure affordable data in the long run. While these consultations are ongoing, we urge the public to be patient and rest assured that promotional offers brought back as of today and providing relief will remain in effect until a positive and lasting solution is implemented. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we work together to serve the people of Liberia.”
