Connecting Lebanon. That is Ogero’s mission. Ogero stands for Organisme de Gestion et d’Exploitation de l’ex Radio Orient. This French name translates to “Management and Operation Organization of the former Radio Orient”. Founded in 1972 by the Lebanese state, Ogero has been a vital part of Lebanon’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The headquarters of Ogero are here in Beirut. As the fixed infrastructure operator, Ogero delivers voice, broadband internet, and data services to homes and businesses. Imad Kreidieh is the current Chairman of Ogero. He leads the company in its mission to keep Lebanon connected.
Ogero plays a key role in international communications. It is a member of the consortium that funded the I-ME-WE submarine cable. This cable links India, the Middle East, and Western Europe. Operational since 2009, Tripoli, Lebanon was connected in November 2011.
In 2018, Ogero took a significant step forward. It enabled Internet Protocol version 6 IPv6 support. This support was for both DSL users and private operators. IPv6 allows for more internet addresses. This is crucial for the growing number of devices connecting online.
Ogero has faced challenges too. During the 2019 Lebanese protests, demonstrators shut down the Ogero office in Nabatieh. This happened despite political pressure from the state. In 2020, Ogero boosted internet service. This boost aimed to encourage people to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ogero’s network of central offices forms the backbone of Lebanon’s telecommunications. It distributes internet capacity throughout the country. Data Service Providers DSPs and Internet Service Providers ISPs then deliver the internet to homes and businesses. Ogero also acts as an ISP itself. It distributes internet to all providers. It is also the dominant ISP.
The internet penetration rose dramatically in Lebanon. It went from 58% in 2013 to 91% in 2017. Nearly every Lebanese person owns a smartphone in the country. Many use Wi-Fi or mobile data to connect to the internet. Despite the desire to regulate the market, all ISPs must buy bandwidth from Ogero. Ogero works under the supervision of the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications MoT.
Ogero requires all Lebanese ISPs to use its bandwidth. The price that Ogero buys the bandwidth for is not public. Executive Magazine estimates that Ogero controls over 60% of the market for Internet service provision.
Ogero owns part of a submarine cable that links Lebanon to other countries. This cable connects to Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE, France, and Pakistan.
In early 2018, the Prime Minister announced the installation of fiber optics across the country. The final connection to homes is slowed by copper cables. A small percentage of Lebanon’s international web capacity is passed to private sector ISPs.
The government sets the internet prices. Any change requires a government decree. Power cuts also slow down connections. Many Lebanese experience daily power cuts.
Ogero was authorized to take charge of an Over-The-Top OTT project under certain conditions. The Legislation and Consultation Committee stressed the need to announce tenders. It also stressed the need to disclose the names of private sector partners.
The OTT service is expected to generate millions of dollars for the Treasury. It may reduce pirated content. It could help protect IP rights. It could legalize the way Lebanese people consume media.
Ogero continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of Lebanon’s telecommunications landscape. From its beginnings as Radio Orient to its current role as a key internet provider, Ogero remains an important part of Lebanon’s infrastructure. Its efforts to improve internet speed and expand access are vital for the country’s future.