Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday held a meeting with Telecommunications Minister Johnny Corm during which the pair discussed an array of affairs that involve the telecommunications sector, and the obstacles facing it.

“No sector can keep functioning for two years based on the LBP 1,500 exchange rate per USD, and this is a big problem,” Corm said. 

“We are facing three options; the first is to reconsider the approved tariff; the second is for the state to continue to support the sector, as it had supported electricity in the past, but we have seen where this has led; the third option is to stop the sector period,” Corm explained. 

Regarding the flurry of rumors that internet services will eventually come to a complete stop, he said, "In the long run, this may happen. Everything requires direct access to fresh US dollars, such as maintenance, spare parts, and diesel. If the required funds are not secured by the state at the LBP 1500 exchange rate, then another solution must be found,” Corm explained.