OGERO launches
Internet roadmap

Fiber optics, 4.5G, and

VDSL are on a fast track

OGERO recently launched a roadmap for better Internet infrastructure. The strategy was introduced with the authority's re-branding.

Imad Kreidieh, General Director at OGERO, announced an updated timeline for fiber optics networks (FTTX), 4.5G mobile coverage, and wired broadband VDSL connections. Kreidieh said that some projects are delayed due to various reasons.

Kreidieh said that OGERO has started deploying the public fiber optic network, and 15 percent of the plan is completed. Pilot projects have been performed by OGERO in the Ras Beirut area. Last month a tender was closed to include private sector businesses in the deployment of the fiber optic project. Winners of the tender will be announced next week, where more than one company may be selected. The deployment is expected to be finalized by the year ending 2020.

The fiber optic plan includes ‘Fiber-to-the-Home’ (FTTH) and ‘Fiber-to-the-Cabinet’ (FTTC). This will ensure an Internet connection with a speed of at least 50 Mb/s.

FTTH is planned to cover densely populated areas. FTTC covers less populated locations. Rural areas will use improved VDSL connections. With 85 percent of the work finished, the 4.5G connection will be ready this June in more than 50 locations across the country. The national broadband network will be also completed by the end of the third quarter this year.

Kreidieh said that 50 percent of the landline telephone network is now running on advanced IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystems (IMS). Remaining outdated centrals will be replaced with IMS switches by December. The new standard will allow for additional lines and digital services.

According to Kreidieh, OGERO aims at providing local educational and business entities with advanced computational services for research and development projects. OGERO will be hosting a supercomputer of Swiss-origin. The deal is expected to be concluded in June 2018, said Kreidieh. Within the same context, the national cloud project will be announced in the first quarter of 2019.

Kreidieh said that OGERO has also enhanced its e-services processes. Its new website allows clients to make e-payments through the My OGERO service.