PART IV
4.0
UNIVERSAL ACCESS
National Penetration and Global Connectivity
4.1
Market Penetration and Teledensity
The policy supports that all telecommunications and ICT operators commit in their license agreements to
provide coverage and service across the country in such a way that coverage and competitive services are
provided as uniformly as possible across the country. The objective is to promote market penetration in
non universal access communities where competition is effective and successful financial activities are a
reality.
In accordance with the Telecommunications ACT of 2007, the LTA shall establish specific obligations
and responsibilities for all licensed telecommunications and ICT operators in Liberia, and ensure that
advancement towards universal access and service goals is a common goal of all participants in the
market.
In the licensing arrangement, the LTA in consultation with operators should identify commercially viable
communities and ensure robust competition in each geographical coverage area of the country. The
government’s goal is to expand telecommunications and ICT market penetration to at fifty-five percent
(55%) of the population by 2013.
4.2
Universal Access Policy
The policy is to ensure that service providers are encouraged to participate in the deployment of
telecommunications and ICT networks in designated universal access communities. This policy supports
the deployment of payphones and communication equipments in public places and community facilities.
In the event that service providers are unwilling to participate, the national operator is mandated by the
Telecommunications ACT of 2007 to utilize part of the universal access fund to provide the basic
telecommunications and ICT services in these communities.
The government will promote universal access programs especially in educational facilities; community
health centers; local government offices; tele-centers and Internet Cafés; and other public and private
community centers. The objective of the policy is to install telecommunications and ICT networks in
forty-five percent (45%) of universal access designated communities in Liberia by 2013.
4.3
Universal Service Policy
Universal Service is defined as telecommunications facilities and ICT services delivered to individual
homes and business establishments in rural communities. Citizens in these communities shall be given
the opportunity to purchase basic telephone, Internet and video services at affordable prices. In addition
to private homes, these services shall be installed in educational and health facilities; government offices
and community centers; and religious establishments and business centers
The successful implementation of the universal service programs will promote market penetration and the
use of telecommunications and ICT services by individuals and private establishments in the rural areas.
4.4
Universal Access Fund (UAF)
The Universal Access Fund (UAF) shall be established to fund the deployment and installation of
telecommunications and ICT networks in designated universal access communities. Financial
29