Lebanon has officially granted SpaceX’s Starlink a license to operate satellite internet services across the country, marking a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s struggling digital infrastructure. The approval, announced late Thursday by Information Minister Paul Morcos, will allow Starlink to deliver high-speed connectivity through its satellite network.
Starlink has built a reputation for delivering broadband internet to underserved and remote regions where traditional infrastructure is weak or unreliable. Lebanon has been long plagued by slow connections and frequent outages, and is expected to benefit greatly from the service.
The country currently ranks among the slowest in global internet speed indexes, with services historically controlled by state-owned operators and their affiliates.
Government officials confirmed that Starlink Lebanon has established a local entity following six months of negotiations with the Cabinet. Service packages are expected to start at around US$100 per month, initially limited to companies and institutions, before potentially expanding to individual users.
Lebanon has endured decades of electricity rationing, with the situation worsening after the economic collapse that began in 2019 and the recent 14-month conflict with Israel and Hezbollah, which heavily damaged infrastructure. The World Bank has described the crisis as one of the world’s most severe economic downturns since the mid-19th century.
The arrival of Starlink could reshape the digital landscape in Lebanon, offering faster, more reliable service for schools, businesses, and households. It is also expected to support innovation, e-commerce, and online education, areas that have struggled under Lebanon’s deteriorating infrastructure.
