Lebanon Approves Starlink Internet Services Amid Infrastructure Woes

Beirut, Sep 12 (AP) Lebanon has authorized Elon Musk's Starlink to offer satellite internet services in the struggling nation, which suffers from deteriorating infrastructure.

The announcement, made late Thursday by Information Minister Paul Morcos, stated that Starlink will deliver internet services across Lebanon using satellites operated by Musk's SpaceX.

This development follows a phone conversation nearly three months ago between Musk and Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun, during which Musk expressed interest in engaging with the country's telecommunications and internet sectors.

In the same Cabinet meeting, the government appointed regulatory bodies for Lebanon's electricity and telecommunications sectors.

Establishing a regulatory authority for the deeply corrupt electricity sector has been a significant demand from international organizations.

The formation of a regulatory body for the electricity sector was supposed to occur over 20 years ago, but continual delays by authorities hindered progress. This step is seen as vital reform for a sector that loses over $1 billion annually in the small Mediterranean nation.

State-run Electricite du Liban (EDL) is regarded as one of Lebanon's most inefficient institutions, fraught with political meddling. It has cost the state approximately $40 billion since the conclusion of the civil war from 1975-90.

Since taking office earlier this year, President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have pledged to combat corruption, enact reforms, and rectify long-standing mismanagement to lift Lebanon from an economic crisis the World Bank has labeled one of the worst globally since the 1850s.

Lebanon has long endured extensive electricity outages, worsened by an economic collapse that began in late 2019. Additionally, the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that concluded in late November significantly affected electricity and other infrastructure in parts of Lebanon.

In April, the World Bank announced a $250 million loan for Lebanon aimed at alleviating electricity shortages.