4G launched for commercial use

Package prices range from $19 to $149

Local mobile operator Alfa, managed by Orascom Telecom, announced that it has launched the 4G mobile Internet service for commercial use. The new service will provide subscribers with connection speeds of between 30 and 40 mbps, that is up to ten times faster than the currently available 3G connection.

Touch, the other mobile network operator, will be activating the service as of next week, said Nadim Khater, Chief Commercial Officer at Touch. Both operators, Alfa and Touch, had performed 4G lab tests earlier, reaching speeds of up to 100 mbps.

The first phase of the 4G network implementation will cover the Beirut area because it has the highest rates of data usage. The operators will gradually widen the scope of the network to cover the maximum number of subscribers. For the time being, users in areas without coverage will continue to use the 3G Internet.

4G Internet service is usable through compatible mobile devices, routers, and dongles. Khater said subscription to the network will be limited at first as few mobile devices on the market are compatible with it: “Mobiles and tablets will require specific configurations to operate with 4G.” He said most subscribers will use 4G on their PCs via dongle devices: “The service will eventually be able to penetrate the local smartphone market, but slowly.”

The Ministry of Telecommunication (MoT) said the launching of the 4G network will reduce pressure on the 3G network which will have a positive impact on the users of both services (4G and 3G). The MoT also plans to launch the 3G ‘DEEP INDOOR’ system by the end of August, which should further enhance the network.

Alfa and Touch will offer various 4G packages. Prices of subscriptions will range from $19 for 750 MB to $149 for the 40 GB package.