Lebanon officially entered a new era of technology and communications following the announcement by Minister of Telecommunications Charles Hajj of the launch of the fifth-generation network (5G), marking a pivotal moment in the country’s telecommunications history.

The minister shared the news on the platform “X,” confirming that the Ministry of Telecommunications, in collaboration with the recently reactivated regulatory authority and the two main operators, Alfa and Touch, has launched a three-year nationwide modernization project aimed at upgrading the country’s networks and deploying 5G services across all Lebanese territories.

What Makes 5G Different?

The fifth-generation network (5G) is not merely an upgrade in internet speed, but a complete digital revolution. The technology delivers speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second — tens of times faster than 4G — allowing users to download a high-definition movie in seconds or stream 4K videos with zero buffering.

Beyond speed, 5G can connect millions of devices simultaneously, forming the backbone of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and advanced artificial intelligence systems. It also offers greater energy efficiency and exceptional stability, maintaining fast and reliable connections even in crowded areas such as stadiums and festivals, ensuring users a seamless experience.

A Turning Point for Lebanon

Lebanon’s entry into the 5G era represents a major leap in its digital infrastructure and an opportunity to recover from years of decline in the telecommunications sector. High-speed internet has become a vital part of everyday life in Lebanon — essential for work, education, and entertainment.

Moreover, this technological milestone is expected to open new job opportunities in fields such as technology, programming, and artificial intelligence. It could also stimulate the economy by supporting emerging sectors that depend on fast and reliable connectivity, including digital financial services, e-learning, and smart healthcare.

Great Opportunities, Real Challenges

Speaking to Al-Safa News, digital transformation expert Elias Achkar described the launch of 5G in Lebanon as “a bold step that comes late, but marks the true beginning of a transition toward a digital economy.”

He explained that “the challenges of this phase are just as significant as the opportunity itself,” emphasizing the need for massive investments to modernize infrastructure, train local technical staff, and ensure stable electricity — the lifeblood of modern networks.

Achkar also highlighted the importance of establishing “a clear regulatory framework that guarantees fair competition among companies, protects user data, and encourages local innovation in areas powered by 5G such as cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and intelligent robotics.”

Between Challenges and Solutions

Lebanon’s path to 5G will not move forward without hurdles. The cost of upgrading networks, chronic electricity shortages, and the ongoing economic crisis pose major challenges to financing and implementation. Extending infrastructure to remote areas will be an additional obstacle.

However, experts believe that cooperation between the public and private sectors, combined with international partnerships, could accelerate the process and enable Lebanon to join the regional race for next-generation telecommunications. Another key solution lies in encouraging Lebanese startups to develop applications and services based on 5G technology, fostering local innovation and creating high-quality jobs for youth.

Toward a Digital Lebanon

With the introduction of 5G, Lebanon embarks on a new chapter of digital transformation in a country that once stood as a hub of technological leadership in the region. This advancement is not merely about faster internet — it paves the way for a smarter economy, more connected cities, and a future filled with opportunities capable of restoring confidence in Lebanon’s ability to keep pace with global innovation despite its enduring challenges.