Passing a new telecoms law in Lebanon and converting the build-operate-transfer contracts of mobile phone companies Cellis and LibanCell into licenses will create a more competitive market in Lebanon, The Daily Star reported.
Addressing telecom experts, ministers, and executives at the third Arab International Telecom and Information Technology conference in Lebanon, Kamal Shehadi, managing director of Connexus Consulting company, said that the government should pass the draft telecom law as soon as possible to pave the way for privatization of the fixed-line monopoly.
Post and Telecommunications Minister Jean-Louis Qordahi, was quoted by the paper as saying that the ministry had drawn up the draft law to prepare the telecom sector for competition. He said that the plan includes the creation of an entity called LibanTelecom, which will operate all of Lebanon’s landlines and become the third mobile phone operator. A telecom regulator will also be established. The draft will be presented to Cabinet this month and is expected to pass into law later this year – Albawaba.com
