The project will cost $93 million and it includes the installation of a 4,000 Km optical fiber set-up which covers all the country, and has a higher bandwidth and better distance coverage capabilities than the copper network. The Ministry plans to complete the first phase before the end of 2010.

Nahas said that revenues from the project in first year of operation will cover its total cost.

Installing the fiber optics and transmitters is expected to increase the internet speed by ten to 12 percent, improve mobile coverage, and ease long distance calls.