Liban Telecom in six months
Fiber expansion and PPP projects

Charles Hage to LeadersClub:

The goal is to turn telecom into an engine of growth

Minister of Telecommunications Charles Hage has unveiled an accelerated reform plan that he says will rebuild the country’s telecom sector “from the ground up” and position it as a driver of economic growth rather than a drain on public finances.

Speaking at a presentation organized by LeadersClub – by Lebanon Opportunities, followed by an open discussion with industry stakeholders, Hage outlined a roadmap centered on reactivating the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA), expanding fiber coverage, restructuring the state’s fixed and mobile assets, and attracting international operators through Public Private Partnerships.

Fixing an outdated sector

Hage said that the Ministry of Telecom (MoT) and affiliated institutions such as Ogero and mobile companies have managed to keep its networks running through conflict and instability, but the infrastructure is far behind regional standards. Only 40,000 homes are connected to fiber despite 160,000 being within reach. More than one million users rely on unlicensed Internet providers and WhatsApp now accounts for 92 percent of voice traffic, overwhelming mobile networks designed for conventional calls.

Energy remains the largest operational burden, with generators consuming up to 35 percent of operating expenses (OPEX).

Regulation finally restored

A key reform is the full activation of the TRA, which will now issue fiber and fixed wireless licenses, reorganize spectrum, enforce open access rules, and set a stable regulatory environment for investors. Hage said all telecom files have been transferred from the Ministry to the TRA to end years of ad hoc decision-making.

TRA officials confirmed they are already preparing licensing frameworks and will hold one-on-one meetings with ISPs and DSPs, including many operating informally.

Market restructuring: Liban Telecom and mobile PPPs

The long-delayed Liban Telecom will finally be established, merging all fixed assets and employees of Ogero and the Ministry. The new company may take a strategic partner with up to 40 percent ownership. The partner must be a major regional or European operator able to bring data center and cloud capabilities in addition to connectivity.

For mobile, the state will tender management contracts for Touch and Alfa. Operators such as Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, Ooredoo, STC, Mobily and Zain are potential bidders. Assets will remain publicly owned, while international firms will invest in modernization and 5G. Hage said full privatization will be considered only once the market stabilizes.

Fiber expansion and 5G rollout

The Ministry will tender more than 25 new fiber central offices, raising home-pass capacity to more than 400,000 within 18 months, with more planned in the next budget cycle. Mobile capacity and coverage are expected to improve by up to 40 percent by the end of the first quarter of 2026, and 5G tenders will follow soon after.

International connectivity and satellite services

Lebanon plans to add new submarine cables to reduce reliance on IMEWE and CADMUS. Options include a Beirut–Greece route and participation in the Medusa system. CADMUS II is expected to advance early next year.

Starlink services will be limited to corporate users, priced above one hundred dollars per month, and subject to strict licensing, taxes, and security controls. OneWeb and Eutelsat will offer limited dedicated corporate capacity.

Six-month deliverables

By mid-year, Hage said Lebanon will see:

• stronger mobile performance
• active 5G and PPP tendering
• the formal establishment of Liban Telecom
• new fiber central offices under deployment
• clear open-access rules for ISPs

“We cannot afford to be the sector slowing the economy,” Hage said. “Our goal is to turn telecom into an engine of growth.”