Lebanon Considering U.S. Request to Establish Telecom Station amid Fears it Could Breach Security
The Lebanese state is considering a U.S. request to establish a telecommunications station on its territories amid fears that it would jeopardize security in Lebanon as it might transfer data to Israel, As Safir newspaper reported on Monday.
According t the daily, the Parliamentary Information committee, which will meet on Tuesday, is expected to tackle the request until Telecommunications Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui returns to Lebanon and informs the committee about its details.
The station will be using very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technique, a satellite communications system, whereby each end user is interconnected with the hub station via the satellite. The system handles data, voice, and video signals.
The report noted that the U.S. army request is being considered by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority which will eventually refer it to the government for discussions and to take the appropriate decision.
It pointed out that if the request was approved then the U.S. would own a separate telecommunications station that the Lebanese authorities would have no control over.
Observers said that the VSAT system would allow the U.S. to breach the Lebanese telecom network and link it to other Israeli stations.
Should it be approved, As Safir reported that the station may be established near the U.S. Embassy in Awkar.
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