Lebanon is set to raise internet and communication prices by two and a half times

The Lebanese Minister of Communications, Johnny Al-Qarm, announced the intention to raise the prices of Internet and communications services by two and a half times from the current price, after the approval of the Council of Ministers.

In a statement to Anadolu Agency, the minister warned of the danger of stopping telecommunication services in light of stopping support for this sector and not adjusting the pricing.

He said, "The Lebanese government's decision was to cancel financial support for all goods, sectors and services imported from abroad, with the exception of wheat and medicines for chronic and incurable diseases."

He added, "Due to the cessation of support, the cost of communications can no longer be calculated as it is currently, that is, according to the official exchange rate of the dollar, which amounts to 1,508 pounds, while the exchange rate in the market today is about 23,000 pounds."

He stressed that "it is necessary to reconsider the pricing of communications and the Internet as soon as possible," noting that the price increase will be two and a half times higher than the current price, and this will be after the approval of the Council of Ministers.

Al-Qarm pointed out that he is not afraid of protests similar to those that erupted in 2019 if it was decided to raise the prices of communications and the Internet, "because the situation is completely different today."

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