The Lebanese Cabinet, in its regular session on Thursday, approved the licensing of Starlink Lebanon to provide internet services across the country via satellites operated by SpaceX.
The Cabinet also approved the long-awaited appointments of regulatory bodies in both the telecommunications and electricity sectors, 20 years after their creation by law. Marwan Jamal was named head of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, while Jenny Gemayel was appointed head of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
Daniel Geha, Surina Mortada, Mitri Daher and Ziad Rahmeh were named members of the Electricity Regulatory Authority.
Minister of Energy Joe Saddi welcomed the appointments, emphasizing their importance for the electricity sector. “We now have a technical, non-political authority that will assist in decision-making, issue licenses and oversee the sector’s productivity. This authority is the cornerstone for restructuring the sector, as mandated by law,” he said.
Saddi further noted that the regulatory authority will assume certain powers from the minister. He emphasized that this is “a positive step” that will help shield the electricity sector from political interference and ensure continuity. He also underlined that the move opens the door for investment in renewable energy, calling it a long-standing reform demand supported by international donors.
Further Projects Reviewed
Minister of Information Paul Morcos, speaking after the session, stressed that today’s meeting was dedicated to “discussing several key projects for Lebanon,” adding that the government hopes to finalize the 2026 budget draft before the end of next month.
He reported that President Joseph Aoun announced his participation in the emergency Arab Summit in Doha, convened in response to the recent Israeli attack on Qatar, and stressed the urgency of finalizing the national budget before October 3, commending the Ministry of Finance for its work. He also highlighted the need to review the retirement system, attract foreign investment and restore confidence in the country’s financial and banking sectors.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that his meeting with French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian focused on securing support for the Lebanese army, advancing Lebanon’s reconstruction and recovery and preparing the “Beirut 1” investment conference, which he hopes will be held in December.
Additionally, the Council requested that the Ministry of Finance draft a modern law to regulate the gambling sector. Regarding the Starlink project, the ministers discussed potential obstacles, with the Minister of Telecommunications set to provide technical explanations, while also underlining the importance of non-exclusivity and information security rules.
The Higher Customs Council file was postponed at the request of the Prime Minister, despite the Minister of Finance’s attempt to have the appointments approved.
Comments