Fouad Bazzi wrote this article for Al-Akhbar:
Amid rising concerns about the potential outbreak of a full-scale war, Lebanon is ramping up preparations for an emergency internet plan. This plan anticipates a scenario where the Israeli forces might attempt to sever Lebanon’s connection to the outside world by targeting the submarine cable that provides the country’s internet access.
While such an attack did not occur during the 2006 conflict, Ogero, Lebanon’s state-run telecom operator, is bracing for the worst. Tasked by the Ministry of Telecommunications with managing the nation’s main internet lines, Ogero is considering alternatives to keep Lebanon connected globally should the primary lines be compromised. However, the question remains: What are the priorities guiding this critical plan?
There are significant concerns regarding the distribution of resources and the setting of priorities in Lebanon’s emergency plans. Sources tell "Al-Akhbar" that government agencies lack a clear definition of what constitutes an "emergency." Instead, each agency appears to be focused on securing as much as possible for itself. In the realm of internet and telecommunications, an emergency plan should prioritize the security of essential communication lines, both domestically and internationally. But which institutions should take precedence? Should hospitals, the army, security forces, the Prime Minister’s office, or financial institutions like the Central Bank be given priority? In a true emergency, it’s unlikely that all these sectors can be fully secured, making the establishment of clear priorities essential. Yet, according to insiders, this clarity is currently absent, with agencies scrambling to secure whatever they can, following traditional methods.
The issue extends far beyond the internet itself. A full-scale conflict would likely target more than just the submarine internet cable; it would also necessitate ensuring the internal distribution network remains operational. This means keeping exchanges running, supplying them with diesel, and enabling Ogero teams to perform maintenance and deliver essential equipment.
In recent years, the internet has evolved into a vital component of daily life and a key element in government development plans. "Losing internet access isn’t just about disconnecting from social media; it means cutting off a large number of Lebanese from their jobs abroad," explains Mustafa, who works remotely for an international company. "We chose to stay in Lebanon," adds Youssef, an employee at a medical research company based in Belgium, "and while we rely on solar power for electricity, internet is crucial for continuing our work from here." Indeed, internet connectivity is essential for the functioning of all state sectors, including security, military operations, public administrations, hospitals, and the media.
Lebanon’s internet connection relies on both satellite and submarine cables. The country is connected to the internet via three submarine cables: "Cadmus," "Cadmus 2," and "IMEWE." The bulk of the load is borne by "IMEWE" and "Cadmus 2," with the latter expected to become operational in 2024, though details about its status remain unclear. Satellite internet is routed through the Al-Arbanieh and Jourat Al-Balout stations, but according to Ogero’s Director-General, Imad Kreidieh, these stations are currently non-operational. Even if they were functional, they couldn’t replace the internet provided by the submarine cables, given the high costs and slower speeds associated with satellite connections. For example, a private internet subscription via satellite at 6 Mbps costs $5,800 per month, while increasing the speed to 10 Mbps pushes the cost to $9,600, even with a subsidized rate offered to the Red Cross. In contrast, the highest internet subscription via Ogero costs around $60.
So, what is the state’s plan to address a potential internet blackout, and is there any intention to rely on "Starlink"? Kreidieh emphasized to "Al-Akhbar" that the plan is a matter of national security and will not be disclosed publicly. He explained that the plan focuses on maintaining communication between essential state facilities—such as ministries, armed forces, hospitals, and the media—and the outside world. However, the plan is designed to maintain only a minimum level of internet connectivity, and does not cover the entire Lebanese population.
When it comes to "Starlink," Kreidieh clarified that that communication is managed through the Ministry of Telecommunications. Sources close to the matter reveal that "Starlink" didn't meet the demands of Lebanon’s security agencies and has shown little flexibility in responding to the requests of the Lebanese Army, the ISF, and General Security. As a result, "Starlink" has deactivated its last five devices in Lebanon, which were used by Prime Minister Mikati and the three security agencies.
When the Ministry of Telecommunications inquired if "Starlink" could provide internet to Lebanon on humanitarian grounds in the event of a total network outage, the response was a firm "no."
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