A new case related to the internet in Lebanon has raised controversy and question marks. It is the decision issued by Telecommunications Minister Jamal al-Jarrah on May 11, whereby he allowed the company “Global Data Servers” to extend fiber optic cables in landline wires.
This means that said company will extend a fiber optic network from the state’s stations into residential buildings. The company is also allowed to choose the regions and places in which it desires to extend fiber optic networks.
With such step, any licensed private company will have the ability to sell internet to the citizens while paying fees to “Global Data Servers”, from which the state receives 20%. The company will also pay an annual fee to the state for every meter extended.
Minister al-Jarrah told LBCI that his decision is based on a decree issued by the cabinet in 2000, granting the company the right to pass by and link its stations through the landline network.
He added that he also based his decision to an agreement document between the company, the ministry and Ogero.
Sources expressed surprise over the issuance of this decision by the minister without consulting with the cabinet, given that the phone networks and fiber optics are an exclusive right to the state.
Other sources say that the project will affect the competitiveness between the mentioned company and other private companies working in the same sector, adding that it will also affect the internet speed between the regions covered by the company and others.
For more details, watch the full report in the video above