for telecommunications and ICT operators and products. The policy supports investment incentives for
the following telecommunications and ICT services:
a. Universal Access Programs: These are programs that support the deployment and
installation of telecommunications and ICT networks using contributions from the Universal
Access Funds. These privileges shall benefit service providers who undertake the
development of telecommunications and ICT networks in designated universal access
communities.
b. Basic Services Networks: The National Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) promotes the
modernization of the nation’s educational and health systems. Investors, manufacturers and
operators shall be encouraged through tax incentives to manufacture, supply and/or deploy
ICT networks directly to nationwide educational, agricultural and health programs
2.5.8
National Backbone Infrastructure and Global Connectivity
The policy supports the development of a national telecommunications backbone, which requires major
funding from the GoL and capital investments from the private sector. The procurement and shipping of
network equipment and the implementation and installation of the infrastructure will require the GoL to
review tax privileges and duty free programs for the completion of the project.
The Government of Liberia recognizes that broadband connectivity which provides large bandwidth, high
speed and reliability, is essential for effectively connecting Liberia`s people, institutions and places. As
previously published by MP&T in local media, the Government of Liberia’s development goals for the
communications and telecommunications sector are to modernize networks and create added value
through the effective utilization of ICTs that make use of wireless solutions, submarine and terrestrial
cable systems, and national fiber optic infrastructure.
The MP&T, as the sector Ministry, in consultation with the LTA and other stakeholders, has designated
broadband connectivity, through a variety of transmission platforms, as essential to enhance the growth
and development of the ICT and telecommunications sector, both in the short and long term.
The MP&T is cognizant of the fact that resolving such capital-intensive infrastructural challenges
requires a combination of sound and practical initiatives, including the development of public-privatepartnership models and the creation of an appropriate regulatory framework that safeguards the policy
objectives of the Liberian Government. These objectives are to ensure open access to broadband
connectivity for our people, a liberalized environment without monopoly control, and nondiscriminatory, affordable pricing to support development.
The Government of Liberia recognizes the tremendous opportunities presently available to provide
broadband connectivity to Liberia through submarine fiber optic cable projects, which will provide
alternative international gateway connectivity. In this regard, the MP&T encourages all major operators
to work with the LTA to establish a public-private partnership venture that will lead to shared ownership
in landing submarine fiber optic cables and constructing terrestrial networks. The MP&T shall promote
the enabling legal and policy environment in support of this goal, which recognizes that current service
providers with international gateway licenses may exercise the option to collectively or individually
finance the investment(s) required to purchase, deploy, install and own submarine fiber optic cable
systems to supplement their existing international gateways.
19