# Lebanon Deploys Starlink to Bolster Critical Infrastructure Resilience Satellite internet rollout aims to maintain business connectivity during potential national emergencies. - **Source:** [The New Arab](https://www.newarab.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [technology](https://brifing.si/c/technology) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6c2de6d2-268d-4ed0-8192-c7c52c7a2733 ## Strategic Satellite Rollout Lebanon has initiated the deployment of Starlink satellite services to businesses and key institutions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that this initiative serves as a secondary connectivity option during emergencies. The service is currently facilitated by the Lebanese mobile operator Alfa, focusing on maintaining essential operations when terrestrial networks face potential disruptions. ## Economic and Digital Goals The government originally intended for Starlink to bridge connectivity gaps in underserved regions to boost economic development. Beyond this, the project is part of a four-year digital transformation plan involving 5G upgrades and artificial intelligence integration. The state will receive 25 percent of all subscription revenue generated through the new satellite service. ## Infrastructure Vulnerability Concerns Lebanon’s existing telecommunications network remains fragile due to historical damage and reliance on fuel-powered generators. Experts note that previous conflicts have exposed significant weaknesses in international connectivity and physical infrastructure. While the country uses submarine cables like IMEWE and CADMOS, these routes remain susceptible to damage during periods of intense military escalation. ## Resilience Versus Replacement Officials clarify that Starlink is not a replacement for national telecommunications networks. It functions as a resilience layer for critical institutions that require constant uptime. However, the service requires a reliable power supply and a clear view of the sky, meaning it cannot fully support ordinary users if cellular towers are destroyed. ## Geopolitical Access Risks Digital rights organizations warn that reliance on a US-based provider introduces potential access risks. Given existing US sanctions, there are concerns that service could be suspended in specific regions where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence. Analysts question if the government can guarantee uninterrupted, nationwide access given the dependence on a private foreign entity. ## Diversifying Connection Sources The Telecommunications Ministry is actively pursuing a strategy to diversify connectivity sources to prevent total blackouts. Beyond Starlink, the government is engaged in talks with OneWeb to provide a competing satellite service. This multi-provider approach aims to ensure that no single company holds exclusive rights to the nation's emergency satellite communication infrastructure. ## Context of Military Tensions The rollout has sparked speculation regarding government preparations for potential conflict with Israel. While some reports link the service to war readiness, officials maintain it is a standard infrastructure improvement. Analysts suggest that while full-scale war remains a concern, the primary focus is ensuring business continuity for firms dealing with international partners. ## Future Operational Outlook Moving forward, the effectiveness of this satellite layer depends on the operational status of the satellite constellation and local power stability. The government must balance its digital transformation goals with the reality of regional instability. Monitoring how these terminals perform in southern Lebanon will be critical for assessing the country's overall communication resilience. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.newarab.com/analysis/can-starlink-keep-lebanon-connected-event-another-war — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._