BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) - November 19, 2025
Lebanon aims to become a regional digital hub, leveraging telecom reforms, strategic investments, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), said Minister of Telecommunications Charles Al-Hajj during a panel at the “Beirut One” Conference today.
“The essence of the telecom sector is clear planning, regulatory efficiency, and speed,” the minister said, emphasizing that smaller countries like Lebanon can adopt new technologies more easily than retrofitting outdated systems.
Highlighting the benefits of liberalization, he described the transformation and potential privatization of the national operator, Ogero (Liban Telecom), as “a no-brainer.” PPPs in the telecom sector have doubled over the past decade, underlining their importance for infrastructure development and innovation.
Lebanon plans to introduce a third telecom operator through a PPP model with existing service providers Alfa and Touch, though the project will not be operational for at least three years. “Investors can start considering opportunities now,” he said, signaling a window for early engagement.
The government is also discussing a third submarine cable to Athens to enhance international connectivity. Combined with interconnections to Syria and Jordan, Lebanon could serve as a strategic digital route linking the Far West to the Far East.
The minister also discussed a three-year plan to expand fiber-optic networks to 500,000 homes, advance 325,000 homes into the tender phase, upgrade mobile networks to 70% 5G coverage, enhance international connectivity with the new submarine cable, and adopt satellite services through a non-exclusive agreement with Starlink.
Ongoing reforms, including the reactivation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the establishment of Liban Telecom under Law 431, aim to create transparent PPP investment opportunities and attract private sector engagement, he added.
Minister Al-Hajj concluded by noting that the presence of regional and international partners, particularly Saudi Arabia, sends a strong message of confidence in Lebanon’s commitment to rebuilding its digital infrastructure.
If implemented effectively, these reforms and infrastructure projects could attract foreign investment and significantly expand digital services across Lebanon.
