Public Consultation: Spectrum Refarming and Broadband Framework in Lebanon
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the Republic of Lebanon has issued a comprehensive consultation document titled "Spectrum Refarming: Broadband Context and Framework." This initiative seeks industry feedback on a proposed plan to reorganize the national radio frequency spectrum to accelerate broadband deployment, primarily through Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and to establish a licensing regime for 5G and 6G technologies.
Proposed Regulatory Changes and Procedures
The TRA proposes to move the sector from a period of regulatory dormancy to a modernized landscape through the following measures:
Spectrum Refarming: Reallocating and repackaging IMT mid-bands (2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, and 3.5 GHz) and high-bands (26 GHz) currently used for legacy Point-to-Point (P2P) and Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) links.
New Licensing Categories: Introduction of National and Regional FWA licenses with specific technology constraints (4G vs. 5G), depending on the spectrum bandwidth acquired.
Market Regularization: A phased plan to transition approximately 800,000 subscribers from over 3,000 unlicensed resellers into a legal, quality-assured framework managed by licensed operators.
Spectrum Pricing Reform: Introduction of a hybrid pricing model involving Administrative Incentive Pricing (AIP) for reserved blocks and market-based auctions for open blocks.
Legacy Technology Sunset: Proposed timelines for the shutdown of 2G (Phase 1 by the end of 2026) and 3G (full shutdown by 2029) networks to facilitate spectrum refarming for 4G and 5G.
Impact on Permitted Radio Bands and Technical Parameters
The consultation outlines significant changes to frequency allocations and technical requirements for devices operating in Lebanon:
2.3 GHz (2300–2400 MHz): Identified for IMT/FWA use, likely employing TDD technology (Band n40).
2.5 GHz (2500–2690 MHz): Transitioning toward TDD configurations to enable larger contiguous channel bandwidths for 5G.
3.5 GHz (3300–3800 MHz): Designated as the primary globally harmonized band for 5G IMT deployments. Existing Data Service Providers (DSPs) are mandated to vacate this band.
Extended C-Band (3.8–4.2 GHz): Treated as a conditional future option subject to device ecosystem readiness and coexistence studies with satellite services (FSS).
26 GHz Band (24.25–27.5 GHz): Identified for high-capacity 5G deployments and local/regional FWA licensing.
Unlicensed/Light License Bands: Evaluation of the 5 GHz band for wider outdoor use and the 6 GHz band (5925–6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi 6E/7 and indoor low-power operation.
Impact on Manufacturers
Manufacturers of radio equipment must account for the following requirements and restrictions:
Standardization: A shift from proprietary legacy PMP technologies to standardized LTE and 5G NR equipment for FWA.
Performance Benchmarks: Devices must support minimum service quality thresholds, including 10–50 Mbps throughput and latency below 50ms.
New Technical Standards: Compliance with newly finalized decrees regarding Human EMF Exposure Limits and Radio Site Regulations.
Testing and Labeling: Potential updates to type approval procedures to align with refarmed bands and the introduction of 5G/6G ready infrastructure.
Backbone Interoperability: New requirements for national backbone networks to meet strict interoperability and non-discrimination standards.
Implementation Timeline and Feedback Deadline
The refarming plan is structured in five phases, beginning in 2026 and concluding with full enforcement and monitoring by late 2027. Key milestones include:
Phase 2 (Q1–Q2 2026): Finalization of the refarming implementation plan.
Phase 3 (Q3–Q4 2026): Spectrum auctions and execution.
Phase 4 (Q1–Q2 2027): Migration of existing DSPs and reseller absorption.
Deadline for Feedback: Interested stakeholders are requested to submit their evidence-based responses and comments before
May 21, 2026. Submissions should be sent via email to
consultation@tra.gov.lb, accompanied by a completed cover letter.
