Telecom sector heads toward privatization with no clear roadmap
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L'Orient-Le Jour
24-07-2025
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Telecom sector heads toward privatization with no clear roadmap
More than two decades after Lebanon first introduced structural reforms for its telecommunications sector, the government is preparing to take a key Public Procurement Authority (PPA) is close to finalizing the terms of reference for a contract to evaluate both the tangible and intangible assets of the Telecommunications Ministry, the public operator Ogero and the two mobile providers, Alfa and completed, the document will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, paving the way for a call for tenders, in accordance with Public Procurement Law No. 244/2021. More econ from today Financial inclusion: Lebanon remains among worst countries financially The contract — estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $2 million, to be paid by the two mobile operators — aims to compile a comprehensive inventory of physical...
LBCI
29-05-2025
- LBCI
Cabinet appoints key figures to CDR and Ogero leadership
The Lebanese Cabinet has approved a series of new appointments to the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) and the state-run telecommunications provider Ogero. Ghassan Khairallah was named Secretary-General of the CDR, while Youssef Karam and Ibrahim Chahrour were appointed as Vice Presidents. Ziad Nasr was designated as the Government Commissioner to the CDR. Non-resident members appointed include Houssam Itani, Georgio Kallas, and Firas Abou Diab. In a separate decision, the Cabinet appointed Judge Ahmad Oweidat as the new Director-General of Ogero.
LBCI
17-12-2024
- LBCI
Ogero chief tells LBCI: Damage assessment ongoing, $117 million in initial losses
Ogero's Director-General Imad Kreidieh announced that field surveys to assess damages caused by the war are still ongoing, but some areas remain inaccessible due to the presence of the Israeli army. He noted that a clearer picture of the destruction caused by the attacks should emerge soon. Speaking on LBCI's "Nharkom Said" TV show, Kreidieh said, 'We expected the damages to be much greater. Preliminary figures indicate losses of approximately $117 million, but this number could decrease after technical teams fully assess the extent of the damage.' Kreidieh confirmed that repair work has already begun, with only 20,000 subscribers out of 800,000 currently out of service. However, 23 central offices remain inaccessible in areas occupied by the Israeli army. He revealed that 390 stations using wireless technology will be established south of the Litani River through a Chinese grant, with work expected to be completed by next summer. He further confirmed, 'Our needs are enormous, and we can't keep up due to the severe lack of resources.' He pointed out that the budgets allocated to Ogero are far less than requested, leading to operational challenges. 'We asked for $60 million but received only $13 million, while the cost of sourcing internet from outside Lebanon is $4-5 million.' Kreidieh noted that he would ask the Minister of Telecommunications to explore additional funding to restore services to pre-war levels. Kreidieh also highlighted Ogero's staffing shortages, saying that he relies on the private sector to cover gaps when necessary, given the limited number of employees. Regarding politically-appointed employees, Kreidieh said, 'When I joined the public administration, there was already a shortage of 600 employees. Those currently working at Ogero are diligent, while others have either been dismissed or left on their own because they were not effective to begin with.' Despite challenges, Kreidieh emphasized that Ogero proved its operational capacity during the crisis, achieving productivity exceeding 86%, even if not at 100%.
