February 13, 2009

The TRA and USAID signed, earlier today, a memorandum of understanding granting the Authority 3 million US dollars to fund the procurement of Spectrum Management Equipment and the related technical assistance and training. The ceremony was held at the TRA premises in the presence of HE. Mrs. Michele Sison, US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Kamal Shehadi, Chairman and CEO of the TRA, Mrs. Denise Herbol, USAID Director in Lebanon, Mr. George Laudato, Administrator's Special Assistant for the Middle East at the USAID and TRA board members: Dr. Imad Hoballah, Mr. Patrick Eid and Mrs. Mahassen Ajam. USAID project coordinator Mr. Ghassan Jamous, US Embassy Economic/Commercial Officer Mrs. Amy Tachco and TRA staff were also present.

Further to the signing, Mrs. Herbol mentioned that this MoU will allow the acquisition of spectrum management equipment and will fund related technical assistance and training that will help the Authority manage the Lebanese Radio Spectrum efficiently. The USAID donation will support Lebanon’s initiative in establishing a well organized and regulated telecom sector that will result in “the provision of state of the art services to the Lebanese population through enhanced networks and reduced prices”

Ambassador Sison stated that the MoU represents the outcome of numerous work sessions and stands for a success model of cooperation between the United States of America and Lebanon. She also pointed out the importance of the telecommunications sector in Lebanon and its contribution to the growth of the National economy and to the State treasury.

After having expressed his gratitude towards USAID , Dr. Shehadi emphasized on the TRA’s mission and its commitment to provide the best licensing framework and abundant services at affordable prices. This can be achieved through efficient spectrum management. He also highlighted the Authority’s role in assisting governmental reforms through the development and regulation of the telecommunications market, thus stimulating the productivity and competitive capacity of the sector.

The TRA will be acquiring a Spectrum Management System allowing the Authority to efficiently manage the spectrum, establish the rules for its use, identify the parties exploiting the frequencies and track the sources of interference. The system will lead to a better license protection from any interference and un-authorized source. It will help the TRA better coordinate with the ITU by identifying and managing available resources that will eventually lead to an increase in the influx of the State treasury through the provision of a larger number of licenses.