Liberia revokes Starcell licence over regulatory breaches

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Regulation; 21 July 2026; 1042 views

Liberia’s telecommunications regulator has revoked the operating licence of Starcell International Liberia after the operator failed to meet a series of regulatory and licensing obligations.

The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) said Starcell had failed to launch commercial telecommunications services, meet its financial obligations, contribute to the Universal Access Fund and comply with regulatory requirements despite repeated directives from the regulator.

LTA Chairperson Clarence K. Massaquoi said the company’s failure to begin operations had deprived Liberians of expected telecoms services while leaving valuable spectrum resources unused.

The regulator noted that Starcell had been given a 90-day suspension between February and May 2026 to address the violations but failed to respond or take corrective action before the deadline expired.

As a result, the operator’s Universal Telecommunications Licence and Spectrum Authorisation have been revoked with immediate effect. The LTA said all spectrum, frequencies, numbering resources and other regulatory rights previously assigned to Starcell have now been returned to the regulator for future reassignment.

The authority said the decision demonstrates its commitment to enforcing Liberia’s Telecommunications Act and ensuring operators comply with licensing obligations, while promoting a competitive and consumer-focused telecoms market.