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The Ministry of Telecommunications has launched a new initiative this week aimed at controlling the illegal internet network. The objective is to regulate the illicit operation of the internet service in Lebanon, which is causing substantial losses to the public treasury, given that 60% of users rely on illegal internet providers.
The Ministry of Telecommunications started implementing its plan to control the illegal internet network as of Monday. The objective is to organize and regulate the illegal network. Consequently, the various networks operated by “neighborhood distributors” will be connected to the national network.
Caretaker Minister of Telecommunications, Johnny Corm, told This is Beirut that, according to estimates, around 600,000 people are reportedly subscribed to illegal networks. Corm explained that the plan came into effect on Monday and emphasized that its implementation mechanism is outlined in Decree 9458. However, he insisted on reassuring citizens: “The network will not be disconnected. In fact, cutting the cables and depriving citizens of internet access is not a viable solution.”
Corm stated that prior to being connected to the State’s network, the ministry will check the internet providers’ systems as an essential step to differentiate between illegal and legal subscribers. He also believes that by doing so, the ministry would put an end to the existing monopoly across the country, allowing subscribers to choose the most competitive provider in terms of service and price.
Corm further stated that investors in internet networks will be allowed to sign a contract with the State to maintain their network once it has been transferred to the State.” The Minister of Telecommunications stressed the following: “We allowed these distributors to keep on operating by contracting internet services directly from the ministry through Ogero for a three-year period. The agreement is a maintenance contract stating that the network belongs to the State, and maintenance falls on them. From now on, the distributor must provide the Telecom Ministry with maps of their distribution network so that it can be connected to the national one.” However, according to Corm, once the network becomes under state control, it will be subject to legal proceedings. “The ministry cannot determine whether these distributors should be penalized or compensated. The internet network was created without a license and violates all regulations. It is reclaimed by the State for the ministry’s benefit. This issue falls under the prerogative of the Lebanese judiciary”.
Ashrafieh and Ras Beirut
The control plan started in the regions of Ashrafieh and Ras Beirut, as the State’s network is already in place in 90% of these areas. Corm explains that it was more useful to begin in these two areas before expanding across the capital. Last week, Corm announced that his ministry will take control of illegally established internet networks in Ashrafieh and Ras Beirut, which will be placed under the ministry’s authority as of October 1, 2023. The telecom minister asked the networks’ owners to “go to the General Directorate of Investments and Maintenance within the Ministry of Telecommunications to provide the required documents and adhere to the laws established by the ministry. He also called upon the “residents of Ashrafieh and Ras Beirut using these services to check on their legal status” by calling 1515 or contacting authorized internet service providers’ service centers.
The process must be completed within a timeframe that extends until November 15, 2023. “Subscribers using unaccredited services should apply for a subscription with Ogero (the public provider of fixed-line and internet services) or with providers duly authorized by the Ministry of Telecommunications to avoid any service interruption, for which neither the ministry nor Ogero will be held responsible.”
As a side note, internet service is provided to citizens by Ogero, the public and exclusive internet provider in Lebanon, through licensed companies (a total of 107, such as IDM, Inconet, etc.), or through mobile phone operators like Touch and Alfa, who offer 3G and 4G services. Furthermore, it is offered through unlicensed companies commonly known as “neighborhood distributors,” which constitute 60% of the providers. Legal providers operate through Ogero, whereas illegal ones operate independently through their own networks.
Licensed companies buy the internet from Ogero and resell it to individuals or businesses. However, some resell internet services in neighborhoods or villages without a license, thereby monopolizing internet access. The Telecom Ministry provides two plans through Ogero: the first one includes 80 gigabytes for 420,000 Lebanese pounds (around $4.5) and the second one includes 100 gigabytes for 630,000 Lebanese pounds (around $6.7).
