Lebanon’s cabinet has officially granted a license to Starlink, the satellite internet company led by Elon Musk, to provide internet services across the country. The decision marks a significant development for Lebanon’s telecommunications sector, which has long been characterized by slow speeds and a lack of competition.
B2B Focus with a $100 Starting Price
According to a spokesperson for the Telecommunications Minister, the license was awarded to Starlink Lebanon, a locally established company, following approximately six months of negotiations. The service will initially be limited to corporate clients, with access packages starting at $100 per month. This business-to-business focus aims to provide reliable, high-speed internet to companies operating within the country.
Breaking the State Monopoly
Until this decision, internet access in Lebanon was exclusively managed by state-owned providers and their affiliates, which had reportedly lobbied against granting a license to Starlink. The entry of the satellite internet provider into the market is poised to introduce much-needed competition and offer a viable alternative for businesses struggling with one of the world’s slowest internet infrastructures. The move follows a phone call in June between Elon Musk and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, where Musk expressed interest in the country’s telecommunications sector.
About Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access to underserved and remote locations around the world. By deploying thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink aims to deliver a global internet service capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and other high-data-rate activities.
Source: Zawya
