MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate has launched a probe into alleged unfair pricing and services being rendered by Lone Star Cell MTN and Orange Liberia GSM companies operating in the country.
By Obediah Johnson
The lawmakers took the decision during regular session on Thursday, November 12. Their action stemmed from a communication addressed to that August Body by Grand Bassa county Senator Gbehnzohngar Findley.
In his communication, a copy which is in the possession of Frontpage Africa, Senator Findley observed that many Liberians invest their hard-earned money into buying data bundles, call credits and make payments by mobile money only to find that they lose any unused balances once the validity period runs out.
He added that this situation raises significant concerns about consumer protection, fairness, and the overall value that customers receive for their expenditures.
“I am writing to seek the support of the Liberian Senate regarding a pressing issue: the expiration of purchased internet data and call credits by telecommunications companies in Liberia, specifically Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell MTN. And 20% on mobile money transfer.”
He pointed out that in the interest of the Liberian people the Senate should convene a hearing to summon authorities of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) along with the management of the relevant GSM companies to clarify the legal grounds for their unfair policies introduced in the country.
Senator Findley emphasized that these authorities should also state what law or regulation permits the expiration of data and call credits purchased consumers.
He noted that they should also answer to why consumers are losing access to services they have already paid for and what financial advantages do GSM companies gain from expired balances.
He said the LTA should clearly state whether or not it has the authority to put a stop to this unfair business practice from GSM service providers in keeping with the laws of Liberia.
Senator Findley wants the regulatory agencies of government to also disclose steps which can be taken to safeguard consumers and prevent the loss of their purchased balances.
“Additionally, I recommend that the Senate explore legislation that would empower the LTA to ban the expiration of purchased data and call credits, while considering the necessary legal and technical aspects.”
He emphasized that this issue impacts everyday citizens, students, businesses, and families throughout Liberia and as such, the Senate has a crucial role to play in promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability within the telecommunications sector.
“The operators of GSM companies are using Liberia’s resources and those resources, the. Spectrums and frequencies they used are in the airwaves. Therefore, we have the right as citizens to benefit too from those resources. The manner in which they are operating are bad, unfair and unjust and this is the time to address it. There is an unfair pricing of their services. If consumer paid for two days free calls, give two days free calls,” Senator Findley stated in an interview with Frontpage Africa.
He stressed that the percentage for mobile
Money services being offered by citizens should also be looked at critically. He observed that mobile money transfer cost is higher than bank transfer. “I think it is a form of theft; their services are not in good fate. They are profiteering to the detriment of the country and the citizens.”Meanwhile, the Senate Plenary has mandated its committee on posts and telecommunications to launch a probe into the matter and report next week.
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