Mobile phone operator Alfa on Saturday denied claims by some media outlets accusing Telecom Minister Charles Hage of obstructing the network’s rehabilitation.
“Alfa confirms that, under the direction of Minister Hage, it has nearly completed a large portion of the restoration and rehabilitation work on relay stations damaged by the Israeli war in South Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Baalbek-Hermel region,” said a statement relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
The operator added that it “hopes, in this context, to fully restore the network’s operational capacity,” noting that 80 out of 107 damaged relay stations in South Lebanon are back in service. Twenty-three stations, mostly near the border and completely destroyed, are under reconstruction, while five others currently being repaired will soon be reactivated. Alfa has also deployed three temporary stations in Rmeish (Bint Jbeil), Houla (Nabatieh) and Khiam (Marjayoun).
The company reported it has already restored nine border posts covering:
Bint Jbeil, Khiam, al-Meri, Halta, Wazzani, Burj al-Muluk, Kleiaa, Kfar Kila, Taybeh, Deir Sirian, Haddatha, Aita el-Jabal, Tireh, Kounin, Ain Ata, Ebl al-Saqi, Debbine, Marjayoun, Rashidieh, Haouch, Deir Qanoun, Ras al-Ain, Jibal el-Botom, Siddiqin, Arnoun, Deir Mimas, Beit Leif, Yatar, Rashaf, Aita al-Shaab, Debel, Hanine, Majdal Zoun, Kaouzah, Ain Ebel, Houla and Maroun al-Ras.
In Baalbek-Hermel, 7 partially damaged relay stations were restored immediately after the cease-fire. In Beirut’s southern suburbs, 23 stations have been put back in service, the statement added.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began in October 2023, in parallel with the Gaza war between Hamas and Israel, and intensified in September 2024. A cease-fire was reached in late November 2024, though Israel has repeatedly violated it. Although the Israeli army withdrew from Lebanese villages by Feb. 18, it still occupies five “strategic” points on Lebanese territory.
About a week after the cease-fire deal, former Telecom Minister Johnny Corm visited Beirut’s southern suburbs to inspect the Ogero telephone exchange in Mrayjeh, which had been damaged in an Israeli strike. In an interview with Radio Sputnik, reported in December by the NNA, Corm estimated preliminary damages to Lebanon’s telecom sector between $88 million and $117 million.
Alfa further announced, in the same statement, that it is continuing the modernization of 80% of its network under Minister Hage’s supervision, as part of a three-year plan involving investments aimed at preparing for 5G and the digital transformation of the company. “Investments to modernize the network in 2025 will account for 17% of revenues, up from 7% in 2024,” the statement added.
The company said it is also working on fully modernizing its radio network and adding new relay stations, while phasing out the 2G network by the end of the year. It is also investing in alternative energy, with 33% of the network (444 stations) now running on solar power, an 11% annual increase.
Finally, Alfa noted that it is conducting a 5G feasibility study, with plans to deploy 100 to 150 5G stations at access points (hotspots).
