Telecommunications sector under threat again

Source: Nida Al Watan - Lucy Parskhian

Lebanon’s telecommunications sector could serve as a vivid example of the Lebanese ability to move quickly between crises and adapt to their repercussions; so much so that accumulated experience is used to recycle available resources and minimize damage as much as possible.

For nearly 8 years, the sector has remained in a state of crisis management. Since its administration was transferred to the Lebanese state, its condition has fluctuated between an economic collapse that immediately affected investment capacity, the COVID-19 pandemic that tested the sector’s resilience and ability to withstand the pressures of remote communication, and a war that lasted months at the end of 2023, causing damage to infrastructure and draining human resources; before the latest war erupted again, bringing with it fundamental contrasts.

The sector has grown stronger amid these crises, but only in its ability to adapt quickly and operate under exceptional conditions. It has been confined to a logic of containment rather than development, while the rest of the world continues advancing technologically.

Accounting for losses

In a report prepared by the Ministry of Telecommunications following the first phase of the latest war, losses resulting from Israeli airstrikes on the telecommunications sector were estimated at around $67 million.

However, once Lebanon entered the phase of implementing the ceasefire agreement, telecommunications networks, especially those of the 2 mobile operators, regained most of their functionality.

According to its data, “Touch” restored around 90% of its network services in affected areas across the South, the Bekaa, and the southern suburbs. Meanwhile, “Alfa” spoke of completing the largest repair and rehabilitation operation for stations damaged by the Israeli war. It noted that most affected stations in the South were brought back into service, while fully destroyed stations were addressed through the installation of temporary ones, including newly established sites in Rmeish, Houla, and Khiam.

Operations also resumed at border stations across wide areas along the separation line between southern Lebanon and Israeli settlements; from Mount Hermon in the east, through the Marjayoun plain, to the Bint Jbeil border sector, and the western sector near Tyre.

The task was far from easy in most of these border villages. Access to them remained dangerous throughout the past year, at times requiring military escort; yet even that did not always deter threats to maintenance teams from both companies.

We learned nothing

After the first round of war, hopes were that its consequences would serve as a deterrent against dragging Lebanon into another “support war” that drained Hezbollah’s environment more than any other. There was even a prevailing belief that the “first mistake” would not be repeated.

The 2 companies did indeed shift into recovery mode and began investing in network development. According to a source at the Ministry of Telecommunications, total investments reached $55 million, the first such spending since 2019, aimed at improving and upgrading the network, including covering war-related damages.

But what a loss that we repaired, planned, and invested; only for a new escalation to undo it all. This latest round, triggered by Hezbollah’s launch of six rockets toward northern Israel in retaliation for Khamenei’s killing, has once again placed telecommunications infrastructure across southern regions at risk. Now, all eyes are fixed anxiously on what may come next, as this new phase appears more severe than the previous one.

War… at a cost to all citizens

The telecommunications sector, along with its mobile operators, has once again entered the equation of expected losses, prompting the reactivation of crisis management plans. While the key advantage this time lies in experience gained from the previous war, the challenge remains the economic cost that renewed conflict will impose on the sector and on all Lebanese; especially amid soaring fuel prices driven by geopolitical tensions.

Back to crisis management

The 2 mobile operators relied first and foremost on the experience and dedication of their teams, quickly launching containment initiatives. Emergency plans, previously developed in coordination with the Ministry of Telecommunications, were reactivated and adapted to current developments, with efforts to address shortcomings observed during the previous war, particularly network congestion in safe shelter areas.

Among the most important measures, according to both companies, was securing long-term network requirements; especially diesel supplies for generators and spare parts.

“Touch,” for example, confirmed that it is “better prepared for this war in terms of equipment needed to upgrade microwave capacity and implement the fourth carrier wave; equipment that was unavailable during the previous war.”

It is also clear from rapid-response plans that priority has been given to networks in safe and populated areas, based on safety indicators rather than the scale of damage.

Between realism and reality

Areas under direct fire pose a greater challenge for both operators. “Alfa” explained that it is working to mitigate risks and impacts in these regions through temporary network solutions to enhance coverage, especially where services have been disrupted.

“Touch,” for its part, adopted a more effective strategy for supplying stations in safe areas with diesel to ensure network stability. As for stations in high-risk areas, it follows security procedures coordinated with the Lebanese Army and relies on local resources previously engaged during earlier conflicts.

However, wartime realities dictate prioritizing the needs of displaced populations. Phone and internet usage typically surge during conflicts, placing heavy pressure on networks; particularly in shelter areas, where demand becomes exceptionally high.

“Alfa” confirmed efforts to increase capacity in these zones. “Touch” detailed broader preventive measures covering networks, IT systems, commercial operations, and customer service. These include the immediate activation of a third service provider in crowded safe areas, plans to introduce a fourth provider, microwave network upgrades to handle increased demand, and continuous maintenance of energy and communications systems to maintain network stability.

On the commercial front, “Touch” sources indicated no immediate concern regarding the availability of SIM cards and recharge cards. Additional “solidarity” initiatives are expected, such as a recent $1 package offering 3GB of internet and one hour of calls. A special offer for displaced people in shelters is also under discussion with the Ministries of Telecommunications and Social Affairs.

Distance learning

Most notably, both companies announced in a joint statement on Thursday the launch of a free data package dedicated to distance learning, aimed at ensuring continuity of education at all levels.

The package includes 20GB allocated for online learning, valid on weekdays from Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., allowing free access to platforms such as Microsoft Teams and “Madrasati,” along with other tools designated by the Ministry of Education.

Cooperation to maintain service

Such cooperation between “Alfa” and “Touch” is not new. Both had previously activated the Data National Roaming service as part of core plans to maintain service quality, ensuring connectivity for users in rural and remote areas.

This service is automatically activated when one network loses connectivity while the other remains operational, at no additional cost, provided data roaming is enabled on the device. It currently covers 110 stations (34 operated by “Alfa” and 76 by “Touch”) in areas already equipped for local voice roaming.

Reflecting its importance, around 93,000 “Touch” subscribers have benefited from voice roaming on Alfa’s network, while approximately 58,000 Alfa users have used touch’s network.

Ultimately, Lebanon’s telecommunications sector resembles a system trained more to survive in emergencies than to develop in times of stability. Between successive wars and economic crises, services persist; albeit at minimum levels.

Yet the most troubling reality is that basic connectivity has become the Lebanese citizen’s primary concern, while the rest of the world moves forward with technological advancement. In Lebanon, that path remains obstructed; each new conflict pushing the country back to square one.