Telecom employees of Ogero went on strike, which led to multiple countrywide connectivity issues for business and residential consumers. Since Ogero is government-owned, having a monopoly over landlines and internet connections throughout Lebanon, no other provider could have connected users during the workers’ strike. 

LIMS explained that the effect of a malfunctioning internet service on an economy are severe, due to the heavy reliance of goods and service providers on the internet. In fact, an internet blackout would be more dire than the fuel shortages witnessed in Lebanon during the summer of 2021.  Lebanese citizens should not be left at the mercy of a single entity, LIMS stated. Instead, the telecom sector should be open to any service provider who wishes to enter the market. Opening the sector for competition would bring prices down, while improving the quality of service. Moreover, the sector would become more resilient in the event of a strike, or any other type of disturbance.  

LIMS further elaborated on government monopolization of most of the basic infrastructure (electricity, telecom, airlines, etc.) , which has limited the private sector’s ability to have broader options for investments and job opportunities. Abolishing government monopolies is key to not only halting the current economic recession, but also to limiting the emigration of the much-needed Lebanese youth. Such a youth population would be in high demand, should new possible job opportunities come as a result the Lebanese economy becoming liberated. 

LIMS Media Interviews: 

• Fakrajian: Poor Communications Impede Investments, September 2, 2022: Beirut 24, Article AR 
• Actual Cost Of Ogero Employees’ Strike! September 10, 2022: Annahar, TV Interview AR 
• Race To The Abyss…Telecommunications Sector In Lebanon Threatened With Complete Halt, September 12, 2022: Arab Majalla, Article AR 
• Armenians Of Lebanon In Crisis…“They Demolished What We Built And Forced Us To Flee Again.” September 30, 2022: Raseef22, Article AR