The Universal Access Fund (UAF), working alongside the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has initiated efforts to restore and maintain mobile network base stations in remote areas across Liberia. This follows a recent assessment in March, which revealed that nine out of 12 sites in rural regions had not been operational for up to two years leaving thousands without access to essential mobile communication.
A coordinated repair effort is now underway, starting in Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount counties. These mobile sites were originally installed in remote communities where private telecom companies had little incentive to operate due to limited profitability.
Consistency
“Telecommunication firms typically prioritize urban centers where returns are higher. Unfortunately, this means that many rural communities are left behind. Without regulatory authority to compel investments in these areas and given the high costs of licenses and spectrum our options are limited,” UAF representatives explained.
To ensure the longevity and impact of rural telecommunications, the government is emphasizing the need for consistent funding, routine maintenance, and sustainable planning. The challenge is compounded by limited electricity access, with just 7.6% of Liberia’s rural population connected to the grid, as reported by GOGLA with support from the World Bank. Expanding power infrastructure is seen as critical to keeping telecom services running in off-grid areas.
In addition, there is a growing call for improved security measures to protect telecom infrastructure from vandalism and theft—two persistent issues that threaten service continuity. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to improve communication access in underserved areas, supporting its goal of nationwide digital inclusion.