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The Internet in Lebanon is truly a nightmare. It frequently disconnects, has technical glitches, and is slow. While the rest of the world operates with high-speed or ultra-high-speed internet, Lebanon lags behind. The internet network is deteriorating due to its aging infrastructure. To address this issue, the Ministry of Telecommunications has looked into the Starlink system, an internet service via satellite provided by SpaceX. Could this be a solution?
Is the Starlink system the cure for Lebanon’s internet woes?
To address the internet problem in Lebanon and provide enhanced connectivity, the Ministry of Telecommunications has explored the Starlink system, an internet service via satellite provided by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk.
Starlink relies on 3,200 satellites orbiting the Earth, allowing users to connect to the internet without the need for traditional infrastructure such as cables or telephone lines.
It is also the first satellite internet provider to use this orbit instead of the geostationary alternative, which reduces response time from 600 ms to about 20 ms. Today, Starlink has one million customers in around fifty countries.
Revolutionizing connectivity and generating revenue
Caretaker Minister of Telecommunications Johnny Corm assured This Is Beirut that the Starlink system is still in its early stages in Lebanon but could revolutionize internet connectivity in the country. Contrary to rumors, Starlink is expected to generate revenue and provide income to the Ministry of Telecommunications. “The ministry will grant licenses to companies that will sell this system to individuals through the Ministry of Telecom. We will not have to pay anything,” Mr. Corm explains, noting that a very detailed business plan has been prepared to ensure the ministry’s control over the service.
The Telecommunications Ministry is awaiting official approval from security and legal officials of the Council of Ministers and the commercial department of the Ministry of Telecommunications. “So far, we only have preliminary approvals,” the minister says.
He points out that Starlink is a relatively expensive service designed for a specific clientele. “It will cost around $125 per month for a speed of 280 MBs, similar to fiber optics,” he notes.
“Once everything is approved, it will take 24 hours to implement the service,” Corm assures.
Pros and cons
The main advantage of Starlink is that it can provide fast and reliable internet access to remote and rural areas where traditional infrastructure is either obsolete or non-existent. Starlink can also give a much-needed boost to the existing, outdated infrastructure.
For businesses, it allows them to expand their operations with faster and more reliable connection speeds. Furthermore, Starlink will enable Lebanon to further connect to the global digital economy.
However, there are downsides to implementing Starlink in Lebanon. One of the major issues is the cost, as satellite technology is much more expensive than traditional methods such as cables and fiber optics. Additionally, the signal could be disrupted by bad weather or other natural factors. Finally, the government needs to establish laws and regulations to ensure that the service operates in compliance with international standards.
Nonetheless, where the Lebanese government has been unable to meet its citizens’ needs for reliable internet connectivity, Starlink appears to have the potential to make a difference and provide a much-needed boost to all Lebanese systems and sectors.
