The telecommunications regulatory bodies of Liberia and Ghana have initiated discussions to establish free roaming between the two nations. According to the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), this initiative marks the first step towards a system where mobile phone users in both countries will be charged local rates during their visits. If the countries reach an agreement, carriers will need to develop commercial solutions to implement these agreements cost-effectively, in line with ECOWAS regulations.
In 2020, the LTA issued an order urging the country’s mobile network operators to implement ECOWAS regulations. However, progress has been slow due to delays in activation and a lack of momentum in starting bilateral engagements.
ECOWAS issued roaming regulations for the community’s public mobile communication networks in 2017 to standardize roaming activities.
Several challenges have slowed implementation, including the lack of direct links between telecom operators, high call termination rates, and fraud.
Acknowledging this development, Angela Cassell Bush, acting International Gateway Systems commissioner, stated that Liberia looks forward to further engagements and discussions with other ECOWAS member countries to collaborate on zero-cost roaming.
A report indicates that most subscribers making calls between Liberia and Ghana rely on Internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram, which require a smartphone and a data plan.
Additionally, travelers between the two countries need to acquire a local SIM card. With the local SIM, they can either purchase voice credits for calls or activate data for internet calls using their original phone number.
In line with ECOWAS regulations, many African nations have attempted to implement free roaming. During an interview, Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, the Executive Secretary of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA), revealed that 13 ECOWAS member states have amended their telecom legislation to eliminate roaming surcharges.
In April 2024, Ghana and Benin agreed to implement free roaming to lower communication costs for citizens traveling between the two countries. That same month, Niger and Togo announced plans to sign a partnership agreement for bilateral free roaming.
In October 2023, Benin and Togo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable free international mobile network roaming between the two countries.
Read more: Niger Intends to Establish a Free-Roaming Agreement with Togo
Read more: Liberia Introduces New Service Quality Regulation
