Telecom reforms get jammed in the system

Another year has passed, yet it seems that time is at a standstill for the Lebanese telecom industry. To date, there has been no privatization, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is yet to appear, as is a third mobile operator, broadband internet access, and the reduction in call costs. It even seems that due to some developments within the sector – such as the sudden abandonment of the new numbering plan – time has been regressing rather than advancing. The Lebanese government should take a close look at the calendar and realize that 1997 – the industry’s golden year – is long gone and that 2006 is upon us. It is time for the decision makers to recognize that most Arab countries are reaping the full benefits of competition and liberalization within the telecom industry, while Lebanon is constantly being tagged as having one of the most expensive call rates