Lebanon's telecommunications sector: On the backburner of privatisation

OBG, here

The new requirement could be a response to criticism over the proposed sale. There has been some opposition to the privatisation of the two networks, with critics asking why the state would sell off such profitable assets. Last year, before becoming part of the national unity government, the Islamist Hizbollah bloc opposed the privatisation, on the grounds that much-needed revenue would be lost and a strategic asset would be transferred out of Lebanese hands. By mandating majority local ownership, at least some of this opposition may be quelled.