2.3.1
Fee Waivers and Duty Free
The Policy acknowledges that GoL holds one hundred percent (100%) equity shares in Libtelco.
Therefore, as long as Libtelco remains a wholly-owned GoL enterprise, Libtelco shall be granted duty
free and tax exempt privileges guided by the provisions stipulated in the Republic of Liberia tax law as it
relates to State-Owned Enterprises and Public Corporations.
This Policy requires Libtelco to provide, inter alia, telecommunications services that promote socioeconomic benefits and government efficiency programs as national obligations. The Policy also
recognizes that consistent with Liberia’s Strategy for the Resolution of Domestic Debt and Arrears, GoL
may still owe Libtelco uncollected monies for goods and services. 4 In consideration of the foregoing,
LTA may issue an exemption order that grants a license to operate without payment for said license.
Such exemption shall not apply to radio spectrum and telecommunications regulatory fees.
Regarding duty free privileges to which Libtelco is entitled, as a State-owned enterprise, those duty free
privileges shall be rescinded or adjusted on a pro rata basis, if GoL sells or assigns all or part of its equity
stake in Libtelco to private investors.
2.4
SERVICE PROVIDERS/ OPERATORS
Currently, the telecommunications sector in Liberia has five (5) Individual Licensed Operators, one
National Operator and several Internet Service Providers. The policy encourages the LTA and market
players to develop standardized processes that are based on consultations, public hearings and
negotiations as stipulated in the Telecommunications ACT of 2007. The policy objectives are to
liberalize the sector and:
a. Open the telecommunications and ICT sector to private investment and competition.
Figure-4: Liberian business women using mobile phones to contact customers for their wares
4
Based on an audit conducted by UK-based firm Panel, Kerr, and Foster, Inc., (PKF) at the request of GoL in 2008.
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