MONROVIA, Liberia-Nortel Networks Ltd. deployed the first phase of a national GSM/GPRS network for Liberian operator Cellcom Telecommunications Inc., bringing wireless services to parts of the country for the first time.
The network currently serves users in Greater Monrovia, Harbel, Kabkata, Buchanan and Robertsfield, the largest urban areas in Liberia. The first services were launched in November 2004. Cellcom plans to expand its coverage to the entire country by the end of 2006.
“For the first time, Liberians will experience the reliability and quality of a true mobile network,” said Willis D. Knuckles Jr., chairman of the board of directors of Cellcom. “Our aim is to connect Liberia nationwide and give the country a 21st century technology. This mobile network infrastructure marks the single biggest investment in Liberia’s economy since the induction of the National Transitional Government of Liberia in 2003.”
Liberia experienced more than 20 years of civil war until a peace deal was implemented in 2003 when the transitional government was put in place after President Charles Taylor was exiled.
The carrier is offering a 20-cent per-minute rate for local calls with per-second billing, along with a virtual phone system, allowing network access either wirelessly or through wireline services. Cellcom is also providing a full e-mail service to and from its mobile phones.
