The term “broadband” refers to the state-of-the-art communications systems capable of providing high-speed transmission of services such as data, voice, and video over the Internet and over other networks and technologies.

Transmission is provided by a wide range of technologies, including:

• all types of digital subscriber lines
• fiber optic cables
• coaxial cables
• different wireless technologies
• satellite

The TRA has recognized that broadband implementation and evolution is a key driver of economic growth and development. Broadband is defining new ways of communicating, working, learning, creating, running businesses, and entertaining ourselves. Broadband is particularly critical in rural areas, as a tool to shrink the distances that may separate different groups and villages. Thus, the TRA intends to encourage the fast deployment of advanced telecommunications capability to all Lebanese to give the Lebanese communities a competitive edge on both local and international levels.

The TRA’s goals are to:

• Speed-up and broaden the deployment of broadband technologies including any and all platform capable of transmitting high-bandwidth intensive services
• Ensure fair-handed regulatory treatment of competing broadband services
• Encourage and facilitate an environment that stimulates creativity, investment and innovation in broadband technologies and services.  

Broadband dissemination began in Lebanon with the implementation of ADSL in May 2007, through Local Loop Unbundling of Ministry of Telecommunication. The TRA recognizes that the unbundling of the local loop is a complex and time-consuming process, and that the Ministry of Telecommunications/Ogero has made great strides in initiating the unbundling of the local loop.

While the TRA considers the launch of ADSL services to be a step forward for the Lebanese telecommunications sector, the Authority is not in the opinion that the current situation is favorable to the rapid dissemination of broadband services nor is it in the long term interests of the telecommunications sector since the conditions for fair and open competition in the provision of ADSL services do not obtain.
 
The TRA has identified several factors that are not in favor to the rapid development of broadband in Lebanon such as:

• The limited international capacity and local bandwidth
• The pricing of international bandwidth and the pricing of unbundled local loop
• The absence of detailed, written, pre-agreed procedures for the processing of requests and the high level of arbitrariness that exists in the current procedures  

“Lebanon is poised to leap-frog to a connected, broadband society.  The TRA is kicking off the process of issuing new broadband licenses and issuing new regulations to enable the growth and development of broadband connectivity, which we hope to complete in 2008.  Our vision is one of a competitive broadband market, where consumers have connectivity, choice, and competitive prices”.
 

Dr. Kamal Shehadi,
Chairman and CEO of the TRA