Figure-5: Example of Spectrum Frequency Allocation Process The LTA is also required to ensure that the comprehensive frequency planning and allocation appropriates an exclusive band for the use of Government free of interference, monitoring and other such practices as not to render the integrity of government communication vulnerable. 2.5.3 Granting Licenses The policy recognizes the provision in the Act that promotes two types of licenses – Individual Licenses and Class Licenses. However, the policy supports further liberalization of licensing so that the practice of issuing detailed individual licenses to specific telecommunications service providers will be replaced by a general authorization regime. Under general authorizations, few, if any, conditions are included in a license issued to a specific service provider. Instead, regulatory conditions are generally established in rules or regulations that apply equally to all service providers of the same class (e.g. cellular mobile providers) or across the whole telecommunications industry. With increased liberalization, this policy recognizes that some regulators are also removing all authorization requirements for some telecommunications services. These service markets are then open to entry by any new service providers, without restriction. The policy also encourages a technology-neutral environment for network investment and service provision, in order to best take advantage of convergence and new technologies in telecommunications and ICT, and in other sectors. This policy supports the transition of mobile and fixed licenses to universal licenses, recognizing the need for universal licenses in order to support the investment in networks based on 3G and other technologies in order to roll-out access to international connectivity to urban and rural users in Liberia on a cost effective basis. a- INDIVIDUAL LICENSE authorizes the operation of infrastructures that are incapable of providing infrastructure leasing service, but capable of connecting to a public network to provide services. Application service providers who wish to offer services using leased facilities will also be covered under this framework. Furthermore, all service providers that will require assignment of scarce resources will be in this category. Where the use of scarce resources would be required, the LTA shall exercise its regulatory authority over the allocation of such resources in connection with the issuance of licenses. b- CLASS LICENSE authorizes non-facility-based operators and non-public service providers to resell services; and for private networks to be dedicated to closed users. There shall be no limitations on the number of Class Licenses issued by the LTA for services subject to such authorization. The LTA may in certain instances introduce limits if it determines, consistent with this policy that additional licenses would not be in the public interest. c- UNIVERSAL / UNIFIED LICENSE authorizes the operation of a public network (irrespective of technology) that is capable of providing capacity service and offering voice, data and video services, which are made available to the general public for a fee. 17