Lebanese Government’s Starlink Licensing: A Controversial Free Internet Service Favoring Israel!

In a controversial move, the Lebanese government has granted a license to Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by billionaire Elon Musk, despite significant security concerns regarding the potential for internet access to be diverted from outside the Ministry of Telecommunications. This decision raises alarms about the implications for national security and the integrity of telecommunications in Lebanon.

The approval of Starlink’s license is seen as a violation of both the Public Procurement Law and the regulations established by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, as outlined in Telecommunications Law (No. 431/2002). The potential for Starlink to reroute internet access from abroad without adequate security oversight poses a serious threat, facilitating espionage and enabling communication with hostile entities.

Telecommunications Minister Charles Hajj has been criticized for what many see as a reckless move that jeopardizes the entire telecommunications sector. This action could lead to significant revenue losses for the national treasury and further privatization of a vital public service.

Key financial implications of the contract with Starlink include:

• Estimated public sector losses: Approximately $5.9 million in treasury revenue during the first year of the contract.
• Monthly losses for private internet companies: Expected to reach around $1.1 million.

Sayyed Ibrahim al-Moussawi, head of the Parliamentary Communications Committee, has voiced strong opposition to the Minister’s decision. He emphasizes that entering into a contract with Starlink—or any similar company—demands a legislative process that ensures the public interest and the protection of national assets. According to al-Moussawi:

“Contracting in this manner is a concession that requires a law unanimously passed by the House of Representatives.”

Despite these warnings, the government seems more focused on maintaining “arms exclusivity” rather than preserving the integrity of internet and communication services. Many observers believe that this reflects a broader trend of negligence towards the needs and interests of the Lebanese populace, particularly those in the South and Bekaa regions who are enduring ongoing aggression and instability.

The plight of families affected by the conflict has not gone unnoticed. Recently, the families of prisoners held by the enemy, in collaboration with the Prisoners and Detainees Representatives Committee, convened a solidarity meeting at the Lebanese Press Syndicate. They are demanding investigations into the conditions of their loved ones and advocating for their release.

The ongoing violence and violations of Lebanese sovereignty are alarming, with over four thousand documented breaches and a toll of approximately 260 martyrs and 500 wounded since the announcement of the October agreement last year. This situation persists despite assurances from American, French, and UN officials regarding security and stability.

Al-Moussawi highlights the core issue with the Starlink contract, emphasizing that it undermines Lebanon’s digital sovereignty by allowing users to connect directly to the internet, bypassing local censorship mechanisms. This could have far-reaching implications for the control and regulation of internet access within the country.

In a related development, Mohieddine Hasna, who was convicted by a military court for allegedly providing pager data to the Israeli enemy, has recently been released. Gulf-backed media channels have provided him with extensive airtime to discuss his claims of innocence, raising further questions about national security and the integrity of the country’s legal system.

In summary, the Lebanese government’s decision to license Starlink has ignited widespread concerns regarding national security, economic implications, and the preservation of digital sovereignty. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the telecommunications landscape in Lebanon and the broader geopolitical context in the region.