The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has announced new regulatory measures aimed at curbing the circulation of counterfeit mobile phones and reducing the rising incidents of phone theft in the country. At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of a Central Identification Registry (CIR), which will serve as a comprehensive database of all mobile devices in Liberia. Each mobile phone’s unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number will be recorded in the registry by importers, distributors, retailers, and end-users.
The IMEI number identifies a phone’s make, model, and status, including whether it has been reported lost or stolen. Under the new system, service providers will be required to verify that every device is registered in the CIR before activating a SIM card. In cases where a phone is stolen, its IMEI number can be reported and permanently blocked from accessing mobile networks, rendering it useless to thieves. Furthermore, the CIR will be connected to a global database that tracks stolen devices, enabling Liberia to collaborate with international partners to prevent stolen phones from being smuggled across borders for resale.
The LTA believes that this initiative will have a direct impact on protecting consumers, strengthening public confidence in the telecommunications sector, and discouraging criminal activities linked to mobile devices. “Fake and stolen phones undermine public safety, hurt legitimate businesses, and create risks for consumers. With the Central Identification Registry, Liberia is taking a bold step toward securing our telecommunications network and protecting phone users nationwide,” an LTA spokesperson said.
The Authority added that it is working closely with mobile network operators, importers, and retailers to ensure a smooth transition once the system is rolled out. Public awareness campaigns will also be launched to educate citizens about how the CIR works and how they can protect their devices. The new rules are expected to be finalized and implemented in the coming months.
