Organization : Liberia Telecommunications Authority
Type of Facility : Licensing Procedure
Country: Liberia
Website : https://www.lta.gov.lr/
Download Forms : https://www.lta.gov.lr/
Licensing Procedure :
Licensing is a key component in the regulatory function of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. It is the process by which LTA grants interested service providers permission to operate in the Liberian market under the laws of the Republic of Liberia.
Related : Ministry of Transport Obtaining Liberia Driver’s License : www.statusin.org/7352.html
The Telecom Act 2007 creating issues 2 types of licenses: Individual and Class licenses. Class licenses are issued for a period of 12 months and may be renewed on an annual basis. Individual licenses are issued for a longer period–for up to 15 years.
For class licenses, the process involves a formal letter of intent to the LTA. Following a review of the application by the Board of Commissioners and the conduct of a due diligence process, the Department of Engineering assigns frequencies upon payment of all applicable fees. For individual licenses, the procedure is similar, except that in the latter case, a bidding process is included because it involves a long term investment of assets.
Licensing Procedure:
The department of Service Development and Market Structure (MDMS) oversees the processing and issuance of licenses. The department coordinates with other relevant departments to ensure that adequate and prompt customer service is provided in this regard.
An individual or organization wishing to obtain a license must formally apply to the LTA indicating the kind of service(s) for which authorization is being sought.
Licensing Guidelines:
Pursuant to the telecommunications act of 2007, the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) hereby publishes the following statement of licensing terms for the standardization of licenses including radio frequency authorizations, to all new applicants and service providers who are continuing to operate under prior licenses.
All new applicants as well as existing telecommunications operators and service providers in the Republic of Liberia are hereby mandated to comply with the following licensing requirements and submit to the LTA the requisite documents and information.
1. Articles of Incorporation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia – For Business Entities regardless of classification *
2. Certificate of Business Registration from the Ministry of Commerce, Republic of Liberia;
3. Tax clearance from the Ministry of Finance, Republic of Liberia (This clearance applies to business entities that have been operating in the Republic of Liberia for a year or more)
4. Two Years Annual Reports in all areas of Operation to include Audited Financial Records of, and Equity Ownership (Shareholders) in the business entity or company
5. Minimum Five Years of Documented Performances and Experience in providing Telecommunications services anywhere on the globe.
6. Business Plan to include:
A. Initial Investment
B. Type(s) of Telecommunication Service(s) for which applicant is seeking License, Permit, Spectrum and Radio Frequency
C. Market Information / Marketing Plan
D. Technical Plan
E. Implementation Plan
F. Operational Plan
G. Rollout Plan
7. Demonstrated Financial Capability, where the LTA reserves the right to validate any such capability
8. Compliance with all Government of Liberia Investment Incentives;
9. Authorization and Releases for the LTA to conduct Due Diligence of the Applicant.
*Business Entity Classifications are Sole Proprietorship, Partnerships, Corporations and Joint Ventures (Domestic & Foreign)
The Licensing Process Leading To The Award Of Licenses And Permits To Successful Applicants Is As Follows:
1. LTA acknowledges receipt of Documentation on licensing requirements listed above
2. Upon submission of all the required 9-point licensing information listed above, LTA issues
Application Form (for a non-refundable fee)
3. Applicants return Application Form (s)
4. LTA evaluates all submissions
5. LTA notifies successful applicants
6. LTA enters into Licensing Agreement with successful applicants
All applicants are strongly advised against submitting false statements and declarations in respect of licensing information required, as this will automatically lead to the disqualification of all such applicants.