In Lebanon, the state-owned Ogero authority is providing internet services to approximately 100 legitimate and licensed distribution companies. These companies, authorized to distribute internet services to subscribers through either state networks or private carriers, pay fees for their operations.

However, a concerning trend has emerged where these licensed companies are also selling a portion of their internet share to unauthorized networks, colloquially known as "neighborhood roosters." These illegal networks subsequently offer internet services to hundreds of thousands of subscribers without remitting any fees to the Lebanese government.

This practice has led to significant financial losses for the state, prompting the Telecommunications Ministry to intensify its efforts in combating these unauthorized networks. Legal action is being considered to reclaim government revenues.

To address this issue, the ministry has called upon legitimate distribution companies to disclose information about the illegal networks they supply. Each unauthorized subscription will be charged LBP 550,000, with maintenance operations managed by the "neighborhood roosters" in exchange for a share of the revenue.

Despite these measures, not all legitimate distribution companies have fully cooperated in identifying the unauthorized networks they serve. Only a small number of illegal networks have sought authorization from the ministry.

Sources suggest that if necessary, the Telecommunications Ministry will pursue legal action, deploying security forces to crackdown on these illegal networks and redirect funds back to the state treasury.

However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these measures, particularly in cases where certain illegal networks enjoy political or security protection. It remains to be seen whether the Telecommunications Ministry or the judiciary will be successful in controlling all illegal networks.