Fears of a nationwide internet outage are mounting after nearly 50 days of intensified Israeli aggression on Lebanon.

In October alone, the Israeli occupation forces targeted telecommunications infrastructure across several regions in Lebanon. This attack left 161 Alfa and 175 touch stations inoperable, with nine touch stations completely destroyed. 

In an interview with SMEX, Minister of Telecommunications Johnny Corm warned of a looming internet blackout in Lebanon. “There is a risk of an internet outage, especially since they [Israeli officials] are threatening to turn Lebanon into another Gaza,” he said, comparing the situation to  the constant blackouts in Gaza caused by Israeli strikes.

“The war has heightened the urgency for an alternative solution to traditional communication via Ogero—namely, satellite internet,” Corm explained. However, he also highlighted some security concerns that satellite internet companies have, mainly that they are not willing to store data within Lebanon, insisting instead on keeping it at their headquarters abroad.

Economic Concerns Over Internet OutageConcerns over a potential internet outage prompted Lebanon’s economic organizations to meet with the Minister of Telecommunications on Thursday, November 7, to explore the various options available to provide satellite internet.

The Chairman of the economic organizations, Mohamed Choucair, told SMEX that this initiative is not new. “Since the beginning of the war—and even before it—we have emphasized the need to establish satellite-based communications.” 

“Currently, our internet supply depends on two lines: one extending to Cyprus, which we fear could be disrupted, and another running under the Suez Canal, which experiences frequent malfunctions,” he added.

Choucair expressed serious concerns about the potential economic impact of an internet outage, warning that it could “trigger an economic catastrophe and deliver a fatal blow to the private sector.” He emphasized that such a crisis could prompt many companies to leave Lebanon, with far-reaching effects on sectors like healthcare and education. 

“Officials must grasp the seriousness of these risks and address them urgently,” Choucair said. He added that “an internet outage would be more devastating than the economic collapse Lebanon has already faced. Such an outage would severely impact people’s ability to communicate and stay connected in the middle of Israel’s war.”

Choucair explained that even before the Lebanese state began negotiations with Starlink, people had already turned to illegal satellite internet, adding that “this practice only stopped when the company stepped in due to the ongoing negotiations.”

Corm Awaits “Written Approval”There has been considerable debate over the security concerns that are delaying satellite internet installation in Lebanon. But what are these concerns exactly? 

“Countries around the world maintain security and stability while providing satellite internet services, and it does not compromise their security in any way,” according to Choucair.

“Our data is already compromised by the Israeli enemy. I even met with the army commander, who confirmed that the military institution does not oppose satellite internet,” said Choucair, addressing the threats that Israel may obtain access to the data of people in Lebanon. 

Lebanon has long neglected to enforce data protection, repeatedly failing to establish proper legal frameworks to safeguard data and prevent unauthorized access to it. 

This has been repeatedly documented by SMEX, as data from Lebanon was repeatedly leaked, falling into the wrong hands, including those of the Israeli occupation. 

However, this existing problem should not serve as an excuse to push through questionable deals or make decisions that disregard the security of people’s data. Instead, efforts must be directed towards adopting solutions that respect both the right to internet access and personal data privacy.

Minister Johnny Corm told SMEX that the ministry is currently in negotiations with OneWeb and SES, two providers of satellite internet services. But he stated that he refuses to proceed to the next phase, which involves commercial approval, without first obtaining “written approval” from the security and military authorities. 

He added that the Ministers of Interior and Defense informed him of their refusal to grant such approval just days ago. OneWeb is a global communications company, founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, while SES, established in 1985, is based in Luxembourg. Both companies specialize in providing satellite-based internet services.

Advanced Negotiations with StarlinkSources confirmed to SMEX that negotiations between security forces and Starlink have reached advanced stages. The discussions turn around the company’s willingness to provide “traffic records” for individuals under surveillance or suspicion based on judicial orders.  

“Starlink denied storing such records. However, the company later reversed its position and presented examples of data it could provide upon request. These examples, however, were deemed insufficient by the security services,” explained the source.

“If the Ministry of Telecommunications secures security approval, we will move to the next phase of the talks, focusing on the profits expected from Starlink subscribers,” the source concluded. 

The Ministry Fails to Meet Its ObligationsMohamad Najem, executive director at SMEX, expressed his surprise at the Minister of Telecommunications’ apparent “fascination” with Starlink, voicing concerns that “data transmitted through the company (if an agreement is reached) could end up in the hands of unauthorized parties.”  

“It is not within the Minister of Telecommunications’ jurisdiction to alarm citizens about potential communication and internet outages, especially since the submarine cables remain intact and protected,” Najem added.

He added that the Minister’s responsibility is “to address the challenges facing Lebanon’s infrastructure, safeguard it, and enhance maintenance efforts, as well as to adapt to the new population distribution resulting from large-scale displacement.”

As a practical alternative, Najem proposed increasing the number of antennas in densely populated areas, such as Beirut, or working with Ogero to provide internet access to shelter centers. He also stressed the importance of supporting residents whose incomes have been severely affected by the ongoing crisis.

Three Decisions Await the Council of Ministers’ ApprovalCalls to provide affordable internet access are not new. Concerns over the high cost of internet services were voiced well before the onset of Israeli aggression in the country.  

Minister of Telecommunications Johnny Corm told SMEX that the Council of Ministers has already authorized him to follow up on three key decisions. The first involves establishing a mechanism to allow teachers and students in the public sector to use the “Microsoft Teams” platform for distance learning—not via the internet but through phone numbers.  

According to the minister, the study related to this initiative has been completed, and efforts are now underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to secure final approval from the Council of Ministers in its next session. This comes alongside a proposal to double internet speed and data allowances while maintaining the same pricing structure.  

The second decision involves doubling the speed and quantity of internet services while keeping prices unchanged, a proposal that is expected to receive approval from the Council of Ministers.  

The third decision focuses on “providing free internet in shelters,” though this initiative requires funding. “We are waiting for the Council of Ministers’ decision to either allocate funds or secure support from donors and aid collected at the Paris Conference to support Lebanon,” Corm stated.  

Despite these announcements, people in Lebanon have grown accustomed to receiving promises that rarely materialize. 

With uncertainty surrounding efforts to prevent a nationwide internet blackout and the escalating severity of the war, the Ministry of Telecommunications faces mounting criticism for its failure to develop a serious plan to address the war’s consequences. 

What can the public do if the internet is completely shut down? And is Lebanon prepared to pay the price for such a scenario?  
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