Liberia: Telecom Sector Market Study and Price Regulation

• Country: Liberia
• Summary: Liberia: Telecom Sector Market Study and Price Regulation
• LRT Ref No: 95773853
• Deadline: 08 Feb 2024
• Financier: World Bank (WB)
• Purchaser Ownership: Government
• Tender Value: Refer Document
• Notice Type: Tender
• Document Ref. No.: 0002006582
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• Description:
• Tenders are invited for Liberia: Telecom Sector Market Study and Price Regulation The telecom sector in Liberia is experiencing rapid growth and evolving market dynamics driven by increasing demand for telecommunications services. However; the sector-s regulatory framework; overseen by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is outdated and does not accurately reflect the current market conditions or provide the necessary enforcement tools for effective regulation. The existing tariff regulation model; last updated in 2016; is inadequately equipped to respond to the changing landscape of the telecom sector. Compounding these issues is the presence of significant gaps in understanding the market situation between the regulatory authority and private sector players. This divide has emerged due to the absence of a systematic and up-to-date study that comprehensively assesses the telecom market's current state. The lack of a shared and accurate understanding of market conditions hampers the regulator's ability to make informed decisions and implement effective regulatory measures; while also creating uncertainty for private sector actors seeking to invest and operate within the sector.Furthermore; a significant digital divide persists; particularly in rural and remote areas; where access to telecom services and broadband internet is limited or absent. This divide exacerbates existing disparities in education; healthcare; and economic opportunities; leaving underserved communities at a disadvantage. Moreover; gender inequalities in access to and utilization of telecom services are evident. Women in Liberia; like in many other countries; often face barriers to digital inclusion; including limited access to mobile phones; lower digital literacy rates; and cultural norms that may restrict their use of digital technologies. These gender disparities hamper the full participation of women in the digital economy and the broader socio-economic development of the country.In this context; the sector regulator made a request to the World Bank for technical assistance to conduct a comprehensive market study. As such; the proposed market study would involve data collection on the reach and quality of telecom services throughout the country; identifying mobile and broadband service availability; as well as network coverage quality to provide insights for targeted digital inclusion efforts or resource allocation. The study will also delve into the gender digital gap by collecting gender-disaggregated data to provide a clear picture of gender disparities in telecom access and usage; serving as the foundation for gender-inclusive policies and initiatives. Parallel to the need for a comprehensive market study; there is an urgent need for effective pricing regulation in the telecom sector. Setting prices that are reasonable; non-discriminatory; and based on good economic principles is a critical component of the tariff regulation structure. These principles ensure that the price structure reflects the actual cost of service offerings and investment requirements. When telecom tariffs are cost-based; it not only guarantees fair returns for telecom operators but also provides a transparent and predictable pricing structure that encourages private sector investment. Telecom companies are more likely to invest in network expansion; technology upgrades; and infrastructure development when they perceive that their investments will yield reasonable returns. Affordable telecom services resulting from cost-based tariffs; in turn; enable individuals; especially those in underserved rural areas; to access vital services and information online. By bringing excluded communities into the digital ecosystem; this access is a key instrument for closing the digital gap.In light of these challenges and the pressing need for a holistic understanding of the sector; the World Bank is embarking on a comprehensive market study of the Liberian telecom sector. This study will delve deep into the telecom landscape to provide a clear; up-to-date snapshot of the telecom market's current state (including the gender disparities in access and usage). Furthermore; it will encompass an exhaustive analysis of the current tariff structures and their alignment with the actual cost of services. This information will be pivotal for the LTA and other stakeholders to make informed decisions; create effective regulatory measures; and encourage private sector investments. The study will also suggest global best practices to be adopted. Ultimately; this initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of the telecom sector; ensuring that all Liberians have equitable access to digital services and the opportunities they offer.
• Documents:

 Tender Notice