The world is witnessing a race to close the digital divide and enable fair internet access, considered an infrastructure as vital as electricity and water. Despite significant advances in fiber optics and mobile networks, last-mile connectivity, terrain, and maintenance costs still hinder universal access. Here, satellite internet via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations emerges as a rapidly deployable option, providing low latency but not replacing terrestrial networks; rather, it acts as a complementary layer to fill gaps and enhance network resilience during emergencies.

Three developments enabled LEO’s rapid spread: reduced launch costs through rocket reuse, batch manufacturing of small satellites, and easy-to-install “smart dishes” (User Terminals). These networks are software-managed and use optical inter-satellite links to shorten routes, resulting in faster and more flexible service. However, capacity remains shared, requiring a clear Fair Use Policy and local ground gateways to preserve sovereignty and declared performance indicators.

Globally, about 5.5 billion people use the internet (around 68% of humanity), while approximately 2.6 billion remain offline. The United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union have adopted the goal of “Meaningful Connectivity” by 2030: secure, affordable, and effective connection, not just a fleeting signal. In this context, LEO services are growing rapidly. Starlink announced surpassing 6 million subscribers by mid-2025. Still, the satellite share remains small compared to the global fiber and mobile base. LEO provides qualitative value in remote geographic edges, sea, air, and critical missions rather than a comprehensive alternative.

Lessons from advanced countries are clear: LEO is treated as a complementary service under specific licenses (maritime/air/remote/backhaul), with local gateways, data localization, declared KPIs, and no exclusivity. No provider—including Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb—receives an unrestricted comprehensive license; licenses are segmented, conditional by service type, spectrum, gateway locations, and subject to modification or procedural suspension. Developing countries accelerate LEO adoption to close gaps but succeed when local gateways are tightly controlled, the gray market is regulated, and the service is integrated into national networks rather than spreading at the expense of terrestrial investment.

Lebanon is not a typical developing country technologically. It is a small, densely populated, and urbanized country; theoretically, it can be covered by fiber and 4G/5G at a lower cost per user than vast countries. The obstacle is institutional, not geographic: unstable power for cellular sites, congested backhaul, slow upgrades, and weak governance. With structural reform (effective independent regulator, national fiber and backhaul plan, infrastructure sharing, reliable power, and public KPIs), introducing LEO becomes an organized complement that increases reliability and service continuity rather than competing with terrestrial investment.

If politically decided to introduce LEO to Lebanon, the entry channel must be resolved between two global models: first, the integrated/wholesale/backhaul model via the national operator (OneWeb style). The operator buys LEO capacity and resells it to companies and institutions for public benefit uses—cellular backhaul, institutional links, emergency and business continuity, and remote areas (schools/health). All pass through local gateways with data localization and lawful interception, under non-exclusivity, equivalence of input, and declared KPIs. This creates a satellite layer supporting networks rather than competing with them, reassuring the market. Second, the direct-to-customer (D2C) model. Selling equipment and subscriptions directly to individuals and companies via app/web (Starlink style). Its advantage is rapid access, but if left unregulated, it may pressure local ISPs, create data sovereignty gaps, activate the gray market, and degrade peak quality without binding fair use policies.

If approved, it should be regulated for limited cases (very remote points/sea/emergencies) with local gateways, distributed licenses, and clear plan caps.

In summary, satellite internet via LEO will not replace terrestrial networks in Lebanon but can fill gaps and enhance network resilience if introduced rationally with rapid institutional reform and an organized introduction favoring the integrated wholesale model with a limited and regulated D2C window. This approach protects digital sovereignty, competition, and sustainable terrestrial investment, building a “national backup layer” that enhances internet service for all.

Source: Telecommunications expert and former General Manager of “Touch”