The Liberia Telecommunications Authority slapped Orange Liberia and Lonestar Cell-MTN with fines amounting to more than $4 million, punishing the operators for illegally raising floor prices on voice and data tariffs.
The regulator said in a statement, the $4 million fine was for restitution on gains operators made from the increase in floor price. It demanded operators revert its prices back to pre-surcharge levels and pay customers back for the period between October 8 and October 14.
The LTA said it: “Remains committed to promoting and maintaining a responsive and predictable regulatory environment that takes into consideration the needs of consumers, government and the operators.
“LTA shall continue to perform its regulatory functions without compromising the public interest as it works with all stakeholders to build a viable and responsive ICT sector in Liberia where services will remain affordable to all users.”
Lonestar Cell MTN said in a statement it rolled back prices after discussions with the LTA with immediate effect, and customers will be refunded the difference in price during the time period of the price increase.
“Lonestar Cell MTN understands that these are tough economic times but through it all, we remain committed to always doing our best to provide our customers with the best value for all their communications needs”, the operator said in the statement.
