Hajj Calls for Linking Arab Networks and Expanding Fiber Optics in Doha

Communications Minister Charbel Hajj affirmed that Lebanon is proud to support the Doha Ministerial Declaration "Leading Digital Transformation Towards a More Inclusive and Sustainable Future," noting in his speech during his participation in the second edition of the Mobile World Congress under the theme "The Age of Intelligence" in Doha, that the State of Qatar stood alongside Lebanon in years of prosperity as well as difficult years, and that Lebanon does not forget this support.

The Minister Hajj stressed that Lebanon comes to this forum carrying lessons to learn, not lessons to teach, pointing out that the Gulf states have shown what vision and investments can achieve. He added, "Lebanon's harsh experience in maintaining the continuity of telecommunications networks during wars and crises taught it that sustainable networks are those that continue to operate, have lower operating costs, and reach everyone."

The Minister Hajj emphasized that the ministry is taking practical steps in this direction, by introducing solar energy to network sites, sharing infrastructure between operators instead of duplicating it, and enabling national roaming between mobile phone operators, with the aim of enhancing resilience and continuity. He noted that inclusivity means that the remote village should not be the last to be connected to the telecommunications network, indicating that the ministry is working on expanding the fiber optic network across the country and opening the telecommunications sector to private investments.

The Minister Hajj confirmed that inclusivity also means strengthening interconnection and communication between countries in the region, calling for building upon the large investments made by Arab countries in digital infrastructure, linking existing networks, and developing more diverse and resilient routes, whether through terrestrial networks or submarine cables. He said, "Lebanon is ready to work with all Arab countries and place its capabilities in international connectivity at the service of this effort," clarifying that the goal is not to replace existing corridors, but to complement them, by building on each other's investments and strengths. He saw that the International Telecommunication Union has an important role in turning this cooperation into concrete projects.

The Minister Hajj stressed that no digital transformation can be achieved without reliable energy, appreciating the partnership in the field of energy announced by the State of Qatar with Lebanon last month. He added, "What Lebanon offers to the region is its people, from engineers and entrepreneurs to a diaspora ready to invest in their homeland."

The Minister Hajj concluded by affirming that Lebanon comes to this partnership as a partner, and that its recovery will be built on knowledge, in cooperation with its Arab brothers, in order to build a more interconnected, inclusive, and sustainable future.