The Minister of Telecommunications Nicolas Sehnaoui wished to see, "all the other sectors in Lebanon emulating the work done in the telecommunications sector given its level of professionalism and expertise in cooperation."
The minister's speech was part of the annual media iftar held under his auspices and organized by touch, the leading mobile operator managed by Zain. Touch has continuously conveyed its support to the media body in Lebanon and has made a habit of organizing a media iftar during Ramadan, this time held at Mandaloun-Sur-Mer. Present at this gathering was the minister of telecommunications alongside the company's General Director, Claude Bassil, and the management team with the presidents of the various media syndicates and associations and various media figures and representatives.
The opening speech was by touch's Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nadim Khater, who focused on the latest innovative touch ventures "similar to the touch application that was launched during last year's media iftar and attracted more than 450,000 subscribers ever since its launch." He also spoke about touch's recently launched initiative in cooperation with Blom Bank, the touch credit card for prepaid customers, a unique innovation and the first of its kind worldwide which automatically adds credit to its holders free of charge. The in-app payment system is the other important milestone achieved by touch which was launched in collaboration with "Anghami". Khater also highlighted the surge in data usage on mobile phones whereby more than 900,000 touch subscribers have registered for mobile internet services reaching a 50% penetration rate exceeding the international percentage."
On the other hand, Mr. Wael Ayoub, touch's Chief Operations Officer, praised, "the quality of the network whereby more than 900 stations have been placed to empower and improve reception across the Lebanese territory." Ayoub also spoke about the latest telecommunications' technology being the 4G LTE; he highlighted the fact that 100 stations in the Beirut region have been placed to activate 4G and soon enough, the users will be able to enjoy this connection on their mobile phones." On the other hand, Ayoub also explained that 40 IBS or In Building Solutions have been deployed to ensure reception within closed entities. This project is part of a larger strategy or project which aims to reach the largest number of enclosed spaces.
As for the minister of telecommunications Nicolas Sehnaoui, he said, "Lebanon enjoys a high level of technological advancement competing with the most advanced countries in the world thanks to the various products and services that are being launched." He also announced that the ministry and touch are collaborating to provide the latest telecommunications services with competitive prices targeting all the segments of the Lebanese people.
