By: Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay, Contributing Writer
Monrovia, September 8, 2025- The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) is taking significant steps to protect mobile phone users and curb the influx of fake telecommunication equipment.
In a strategic session, LTA’s top licensing and regulatory technicians engaged in a lockdown discussion to establish a Central Identification Registry (CIR).
The Central Identification Registry (CIR), will require all importers, retailers, and consumers to register each phone’s unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI).
This digital footprint according to the LTA will contains vital information about the phone, including its make, model, memory variant, and whether it has been stolen or reported lost.
“Service providers will verify CIR registration before activating SIM cards. Once activated, IMEIs will be synced to individual SIM cards” a statement from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority narrated.
Meanwhile, the Central Identification Registry (CIR) will be connected to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Device Registry, housing all registered IMEIs and managing device information, security, and intelligence platforms.
Such initiative when achieved will ensure National security and consumer protection, Strong deterrent for phone theft, Reduced market for reselling stolen phones, including Prompt blocking of stolen phones, rendering them unusable.
The LTA is working to complete the regulation and its provisions. The strategic brainstorming session marks a crucial step towards phasing out fake phones and enhancing mobile security in Liberia.
