The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has restored its full international membership status.
The latest came about after the Authority secured a debt waiver of more than US$400,000.
The development now allows Liberia to regain its voting rights in international telecommunications organizations.
LTA Chairperson, Clarence K. Massaquoi, disclosed how President Joseph Nyuma Boakai assumed office when Liberia was not in good standing with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), “because the government owed the organization more than US$500,000 in outstanding financial obligations.
Massaquoi: “The debt had restricted Liberia’s participation in international telecommunications meetings, which left the country with observer status, and prevented it from voting on decisions affecting the global telecommunications industry.”
He said, the current Board of Commissioners negotiated a waiver exceeding US$400,000, following efforts to improve performance, and meet international regulatory standards.
Massaquoi said, after the waiver was secured, the government made payments towards the balance, enabling Liberia to regain full membership privileges.
He commended the Board of Commissioners for its role in restoring the country’s international standing. He particularly highlighted the contributions of Commissioner Angela Cassell Bush, who oversees the International Gateway Services (IGS) Department.
Massaquoi said, the department plays an important role in monitoring international digital traffic, protect national telecommunications infrastructure, and support internet governance.
He spoke of how restoring the membership will allow Liberia to participate more actively in international institutions, including the ATU, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He also disclosed how the LTA has worked to establish its own country-specific internet top-level domain infrastructure.
The initiative, he said, intends to reduce dependence on foreign countries for hosting national digital information as well as strengthen control over internet infrastructure.
Massaquoi made the remarks during the official opening of the LTA Consumer Support Center in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The center will provide consumers with a platform to report complaints, seek assistance and obtain redress over telecommunications-related concerns.
It forms part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen consumer protection, expand digital access, and improve Liberia’s participation in the global telecommunications sector.
