Caretaker Minister of Telecommunications Johnny Corm asserted on Wednesday that “a general Internet blackout is absolutely forbidden,” revealing that “there is a last-resort solution.”
Corm pointed out that although he was being optimistic and reassuring, “the words of Ogero CEO, Imad Kreidiyeh, warning about Internet blackout were true, since our ministry hadn’t yet received the necessary funds for maintenance since the start of this year.”
It is noteworthy that the ministry’s 2024 budget is LBP 2 trillion Lebanese.
He explained that the problem lies in the mechanism in place whereby funds generated by the telecoms sector are transferred to the Finance Ministry and then spent by the Telecom Ministry budget. “Hence, the money collected from citizens is not in the hands of the Ministry of Telecoms or Ogero, but the Ministry of Finance,” he continued.
Moreover, he emphasized that “it is absolutely forbidden to interrupt Internet and communications in Lebanon,” stating that “in the worst-case scenario mobile operators Alfa and Touch would be obliged to cover expenses until the Ministry of Finance disburses the amounts due.”
It is worth recalling that many cables needed for network maintenance or development are not available, due to a lack of funds to purchase them. The same applies to machines that are no longer in service. Additionally, all the generators powering the centers are faulty and cannot be replaced.
It should be noted that in the event of a breakdown or malfunction on Ogero's network, Internet services throughout the country will be affected, since the operator supplies data to all access providers.
On the other hand, Corm indicated that “the salaries of Alfa and Touch employees are higher than those of Ogero employees because the laws in force have made it possible to increase their salaries.”
“That’s why I’m demanding that Ogero become a joint-stock company, so that we can increase employee pay,” he added.
“Lebanon is the third country in the world without a telecommunications regulatory authority,” Corm revealed, noting that “this needs to change, because the presence of a regulatory body is very important for drawing up a long-term plan that is not altered with every change of minister.”
Regarding the rumor of spying on the submarine cable, he said that the rumor originated with the former CEO of Ogero, Abdel Menhem Youssef, and he asked him for proof, if available.
Corm pointed out that although he was being optimistic and reassuring, “the words of Ogero CEO, Imad Kreidiyeh, warning about Internet blackout were true, since our ministry hadn’t yet received the necessary funds for maintenance since the start of this year.”
It is noteworthy that the ministry’s 2024 budget is LBP 2 trillion Lebanese.
He explained that the problem lies in the mechanism in place whereby funds generated by the telecoms sector are transferred to the Finance Ministry and then spent by the Telecom Ministry budget. “Hence, the money collected from citizens is not in the hands of the Ministry of Telecoms or Ogero, but the Ministry of Finance,” he continued.
Moreover, he emphasized that “it is absolutely forbidden to interrupt Internet and communications in Lebanon,” stating that “in the worst-case scenario mobile operators Alfa and Touch would be obliged to cover expenses until the Ministry of Finance disburses the amounts due.”
It is worth recalling that many cables needed for network maintenance or development are not available, due to a lack of funds to purchase them. The same applies to machines that are no longer in service. Additionally, all the generators powering the centers are faulty and cannot be replaced.
It should be noted that in the event of a breakdown or malfunction on Ogero's network, Internet services throughout the country will be affected, since the operator supplies data to all access providers.
On the other hand, Corm indicated that “the salaries of Alfa and Touch employees are higher than those of Ogero employees because the laws in force have made it possible to increase their salaries.”
“That’s why I’m demanding that Ogero become a joint-stock company, so that we can increase employee pay,” he added.
“Lebanon is the third country in the world without a telecommunications regulatory authority,” Corm revealed, noting that “this needs to change, because the presence of a regulatory body is very important for drawing up a long-term plan that is not altered with every change of minister.”
Regarding the rumor of spying on the submarine cable, he said that the rumor originated with the former CEO of Ogero, Abdel Menhem Youssef, and he asked him for proof, if available.
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