Lebanon Approves Starlink Satellite Internet

In a major development aimed at enhancing national connectivity, the Lebanese government has formally approved the launch of Starlink, satellite internet service by U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk. The cabinet issued a license to Starlink Lebanon, enabling it to spread internet countrywide through satellites operated by SpaceX, as per state-run National News Agency (NNA).

The approval comes after almost six months of negotiations between SpaceX and Lebanese officials. In an interview with Reuters, Tony Saad, Telecommunications Minister Charles Hage's spokesperson, confirmed the approval and stated, "Starlink Lebanon has now been licensed to operate across all Lebanese territory. This marks a new chapter for Lebanon's digital infrastructure."

Starlink services will initially be offered solely to companies, at a monthly subscription fee of USD 100, Saad further added.

Key highlights:

• Lebanon grants operating license to Starlink Lebanon, enabling nationwide satellite internet services via SpaceX technology
• Initial rollout to target businesses, with subscription plans starting at USD 100 per month, following six months of government negotiations
• Government hails the move as a digital breakthrough, aiming to bridge connectivity gaps in rural and underserved regions

The deal was said to have been sealed after Elon Musk had a phone conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in June in which he showed strong interest in Lebanon's telecommunications and internet.

There are high hopes among local authorities about the effect of the deal. "This partnership is a game-changer for Lebanon," Minister Hage stated. "It will close the digital gap, particularly in far-flung and underserved communities."

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The move comes as part of a broader regional expansion by Starlink. The service has recently secured approvals in Oman and Saudi Arabia, and is being considered by Dubai’s Emirates airline and Qatar Airways for in-flight WiFi.

With this approval, Lebanon becomes one of the first countries in the Levant to greenlight next-generation satellite internet services.