September 2023 Floods-Temporary Information
Info as of 14 September 2023
Communications: The storm knocked out internet and telecoms. Floods cut off the submarine cable linking Libya to Europe. A government telecoms service is restored in some areas. Satellite phones work. Local mobile coverage returned to 80% in many areas and full coverage of Almadar is expected in the coming days.
The telecommunication infrastructure in the main cities is quite good, but it still poor in the south. Telecommunication is controlled by the General Authority for Communication and Information. However, there are private companies provide telecommunication services such as internet services. For mobile, individuals are allowed to register to SIM cards under their names, they just need to provide photo and copy of their passport.
For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link:
4.11 Libya Additional Services Contact List
Telephone Services |
|
---|---|
Is there an existing landline telephone network? |
Yes |
Does it allow international calls? |
Yes |
Number and Length of Downtime Periods (on average) |
5%-10% per year |
Mobile Phone Providers |
Libyana AlMadar Aljadid |
Approximate Percentage of National Coverage |
90% |
Telecommunications Regulations
Importing of telecommunication equipment is subject to getting the clearance from the General Authority for Telecommunication and Informatics (GATI).
VHF, HF communication frequencies and VSAT need to be licensed by GATI. UHF Tetra equipment and network must be arranged with the Local Tetra official Provider. Thuraya and Inmarsat Equipment should only be provided through local providers. Iridium equipment are not allowed as Iridium Network is not approved to work inside Libya.
Regulations on Usage and Import |
||
---|---|---|
|
Regulations in Place? |
Regulating Authority |
Satellite |
Yes |
General Authority for Telecommunication and Informatics (GATI). |
HF Radio |
Yes |
General Authority for Telecommunication and Informatics (GATI). |
UHF/VHF/HF Radio: Handheld, Base and Mobile |
Yes |
General Authority for Telecommunication and Informatics (GATI). |
UHF/VHF Repeaters |
Yes |
General Authority for Telecommunication and Informatics (GATI). |
GPS |
Yes |
General Authority for Telecommunication and Informatics (GATI). |
VSAT |
Yes |
General Authority for Telecommunication and Informatics (GATI). |
Individual Network Operator Licenses Required |
||
Yes |
||
Frequency Licenses Required |
||
Yes |
Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems
Humanitarian telecoms systems are in place and managed by UNSMIL.
Existing UN Telecommunication Systems |
|||
---|---|---|---|
|
UNDP |
WFP |
UNSMIL |
VHF Frequencies |
|
Benghazi |
Oea/Tripoli |
HF Frequencies |
|
|
Oea/Tripoli |
Locations of Repeaters |
|
Benghazi |
Corinthia Hotel/Tripoli |
VSAT |
|
|
Oea/Tripoli |
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Reliable internet services are available in Libya. Mainly in Tripoli, Benghazi and other big cities, but still poor in the south. Libya telecom & technology (LTT) is a pioneer company in internet and the first internet service provider in Libya. Aljeel Aljadeed for technology is another service provider that provides the internet services in several technology (Fiber, ADSL ,Wireless).
Internet Service Providers |
||
---|---|---|
Are there ISPs available? |
Yes |
|
If yes, are they privately or government owned? |
Both |
|
Dial-up only? |
No |
|
Approximate Rates (local currency and USD - $) |
Dial-up: N/A Broadband: US$140/1Mbps BW/month |
|
Max Leasable ‘Dedicated’ Bandwidth |
100Mbps |
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
There are two mobile providers’ companies in Libya. The services and mobile coverages are good and reliable in the main cities inside Libya, fair/poor in the south.
For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website.
Company |
Number of Agent Outlets by Area |
Network Strength by Area |
Contracted for Humanitarian or Government Cash Transfer Programmes? |
Services Offered (i.e. Merchant Payment, Bulk Disbursement, Receive & Make Payment) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Libyana |
Plenty |
Good |
No |
N/A |
Almadar Aljadid |
Plenty |
Good |
Yes |
Merchant payment, Money transfer |