The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has formally adopted new Satellite Communications Guidelines aimed at expanding digital connectivity, strengthening regulatory oversight and supporting the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The new guidelines establish a regulatory framework for satellite communications services in Liberia, covering areas including nationwide connectivity, consumer protection, quality of service, data protection and efficient spectrum management.
According to the LTA, satellite technology has an important role to play in extending reliable connectivity to underserved and hard-to-reach communities across the country. Satellite networks can also provide critical redundancy when submarine fibre-optic cables or terrestrial networks experience outages or disruptions.
Under the new guidelines, satellite service providers seeking to operate terminals in Liberia must obtain Landing Rights Authorisation.
For non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) services, authorisations will be valid for five years, with a USD 1,000 application fee and a USD 5,000 authorisation fee. Geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) authorisations will be valid for 10 years, with a USD 1,000 application fee and a USD 10,000 authorisation fee.
The LTA clarified that Landing Rights Authorisation does not permit the provision of direct voice or data services to IMT mobile devices.
Companies seeking to register and operate satellites from Liberia will also be required to obtain a Satellite Network Operator License.
GSO licences will be valid for 10 years and carry a US$1,000 application fee, a US$5,000 annual licence fee and a US$5,000 regulatory fee.
NGSO licences will be valid for five years, with a US$1,000 application fee, a US$2,500 annual licence fee and a US$2,500 regulatory fee.
The guidelines also establish licensing requirements for a range of earth-segment services, including gateways, broadband, backhaul, VSAT, direct-to-device (D2D), broadcasting and managed data services.
Most earth-segment licences will be valid for five years.
D2D services carry the highest annual licensing charge, at US$250,000, plus 3% of gross annual revenue. D2D voice and data sales will also be subject to a 9% regulatory fee.
Broadband providers will contribute 0.5% of gross annual revenue towards universal access, supporting efforts to extend connectivity to communities that remain underserved.
LTA Chairperson Hon. Clarence K. Massaquoi welcomed the potential for the new framework to attract investment and encourage innovation across Liberia’s telecommunications sector.
However, he emphasised that satellite operators and service providers must obtain the appropriate authorisations and fully comply with Liberia’s telecommunications laws and regulations.
“We are not simply connecting generations; we are connecting people to possibilities.”
The regulator has also invited international satellite operators, technology companies and investors to explore opportunities in Liberia under the newly established regulatory framework.
The LTA said adopting the Satellite Communications Guidelines is an important step toward building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive digital economy, while expanding access to digital services and improving connectivity across the country.
