 TELECOMMUNICATIONS |
The LTC management makes no secret of the fact that its switching equipment is near obsolete. The corporation's analogue exchange was installed in 1964, while the digital component was mounted in 1988. The two systems are still working, though with intermittent breakdowns.
Its best bet, however, has been the two state-of-the-art earth stations it operates on the IDR technology that is the latest in the telecommunications business. The earth stations are connected to the LTC switching board, telephone exchanges by a new, modern microwave link.
| The current subscriber base of all the phone operators in the country, including the LTC is about 11,000 users, mainly in the Monrovia area and not more than 45 miles outside the capital. The wireless loop has an expandable capacity of 10,000 additional lines.
According to the LTC, the country requires over 100,000 phone lines, so what's obtaining now is just the tip of the iceberg!
"There is a tremendous suppressed demand. There are a lot of people on the waiting list for telephone. The market is small, but there is much unsatisfied and tremendous demands right now", LTC Managing Director Mr. Charles Roberts points out.
He continues: "I believe if the capacity and quality of service existed and thirdly, if the price was affordable enough, you could have over 100,000 telephone lines within a couple of months. In the long run, it is the total number of subscribers that will bring profitability to the investment."
Mr. Roberts thinks the best suitor for the privatization of the Liberian telecommunications industry must be one with the expertise, capital and resources necessary, as well as have a commitment and believe in the future of Liberia to make the investment and partnership work. |
