The Lebanese Ministry of Post and Telecommunications intends to slice costs of telecoms, in a bid to invite foreign investments, according to a report by Daily Star.
The paper quoted ministry sources as saying they are considering reducing local call tolls, monthly subscription payments and connection fees, but ministry spokespeople declined to comment on how big these cuts would be, or when they might come into effect when contacted by the daily.
The MPT reduced the cost of international calls by between 25 and 30 percent late last year to combat illegal phone calls.
The Cabinet is also examining a proposal to exempt security agents from paying telephone bills, putting them on equal footing with army officials who already benefit from exemptions, said the report.
The telecom sector in Lebanon has been subject to modernization in the recent years.
Lebanon's networks have improved notably since 1993 and are above average for the region. Cellular and Internet Usage are growing, and have further potential.
But there have been calls for separating regulation from operation, and reforming the state-controlled firm which runs the fixed network. These, it is considered, are the essential changes needed to attract good offers for privatization – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
