A Guide to Getting Internet in Lebanon

If you can read this, you probably have an internet connection. Or, you’re leeching off some café’s free wi-fi. Either way, getting a proper internet connection set up for your home or office can be a tricky matter, with various internet service providers (ISPs) to choose from, and all kinds of packages on offer.

Here is a helpful guide of Lebanon’s main ISPs and the packages they offer that should make the process of getting connected a whole lot easier.

Internet Service Provider: IDM
Established in 1995, IDM is regarded as being among the pioneers in bringing the digital universe to the country, and offers a wide variety of services and packages for every kind of consumer.

1. ADSL

Low end cost: 4 GB for $16 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 30 GB for $110 per month (6 to 8 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

2. i-Fly Wireless Broadband

Low end cost: 3 GB for $18.20 per month (256 Kbps download speed)
High end cost: 12 GB for $60 per month (6 to 8 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note:
-Free night traffic from midnight to 6:00 am
-You’ll need to buy a modem ranging from $100 to $185 depending on type

3. SOHO DSL

Low end cost: 20 GB for $85 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 50 GB for $225 per month (4Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

4. SOHO Broadband

Unlimited traffic for $150 per month (512 Kbps download speed)

To get set up, call: 1282 or 01/512513 or e-mail: indoorsales@idm.net.lb

Internet Service Provider: OGERO
OGERO (Organisme de Gestion et d’Exploitation de l’ex Radio Orient) was established in 1972. Today it is owned entirely by the government and acts under the supervision of the Minister of Telecommunication.

OGERO offers the following DSL packages:

4 GB for 24,000 LL per month (1 Mbps download speed)
10 GB for 38,000 LL per month (1 Mbps download speed)
20 GB for 75,000 LL per month (2 Mbps download speed)
25 GB for 115,000 LL per month (4 Mbps download speed)
30 GB for 172,000 LL per month (6 Mbps download speed)

Note: You will have to buy a regular modem for 58,000 LL or a wireless modem for 86,000 LL.

To get set up, call: 01.840.000

Internet Service Provider: SODETEL
Established in 1968, SODETEL (Société de Développement des Télécommunications du Liban s.a.l.) is the oldest telecom operator in Lebanon and has operated and maintained the first submarine cable in the Middle East, linking Beirut to France and allowing the transit of international communications.

1. DSL Regular Plan

Low end cost: 6 GB for $20.90 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 25 GB for $69.90 per month (4 to 8 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Extra volume: Each 1GB =1000 MB = $4
-Free night traffic from 12:00 am to 8:00 am
-Free wi-fi modem
-Free installation
-Free 1 month subscription

2. DSL Unlimited Plan

Unlimited traffic for $ 25.90 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
Note: Free 1 month subscription

3. HDSL

40 GB for $150 per month (2 Mbps download speed)
45 GB for $200 per month (4 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Extra volume: Each 1GB =1000 MB = $4
-There is a $400 fee charged for the modem, set up and installation

Full list of packages here.

4. Wireless Internet Network Services (WINS)

Eco: 4 GB for $27 per month (512 Kbps download speed)
Bronze: 8 GB for $45 per month (1 Mbps download speed)

Note:Unlimited night traffic from 12:00 am till 7:00 am

5. SOHO (Small Office-Home)

Unlimited traffic for $150 per month (512 Kbps download speed)

Note: There is a one-time setup fee of $300.

6. SME (Small to Medium Enterprises)

Unlimited traffic for $250 per month (1 Mbps download speed)

Note: there is a one-time setup fee of $250.

To get set up, call: 1268, 04/444567 (head office) or 01/868370/1 (Verdun branch)
Or e-mail: sales@sodetel.net.lb

Internet Service Provider: WISE
WISE is another fine ISP with various options, and aim to provide reliable high quality products at a fair price, supported by exceptional customer service.

1. Wireless

Account plan 1: 2 GB for $19 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
Account plan 2: 4 GB for $27 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
Account Plan 3: 8 GB for $45 per month (1 Mbps download speed)

Note: Free night traffic between 12:00 amt and 7:00 am

2. ADSL

Low end cost: 5 GB for $19 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 30 GB for $115 per month (6 to 8 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Free splitter and filter
-There is a $15 installation fee
-There is a $38 set up fee
-You will have to buy an ADSL wi-fi modem for $69
-Extra volume: $6 will be charged for each additional 1 GB over the quota defined for each plan

Full list of packages here.

To get set up, call: 1261or 01/269473 or e-mail: info@wise.net.lb

Internet Service Provider: Cyberia
Cyberia was created in 1996 to provide the Lebanese market with internet access, online publishing and online services.

1. ADSL

Low end cost: 4 GB for $15.99 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 30 GB for $113.99 per month (8 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Free night traffic from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
-Extra volume: Each extra 1 GB will cost $3.99
-There will be $69 fee for a 4-ports Ethernet modem and wi-fi and an optional $20 fee for on-site installation

Full list of packages here.

2. Mobi (Wireless Broadband)

Low end cost: 7.5 GB for $40 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 15 GB for $94.99 per month (1 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note: You will have to buy a PC card express modem for $254.99, a USB dongle modem for $155 or a desktop modem (1 port Ethernet/1 port USB) for $249.99

3. WIGO (Wireless Broadband)

Lite: 3 GB for $24.99 per month (512 Kbps download speed)
Cruise: 5 GB for $34.99 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
Turbo: 7 GB for $44.99 per month (1 Mbps download speed)

Note: You will have to buy a USB modem for $154.99, Ethernet modem for $154.99 or PC card modem for $199.99

4. Wireless BITS (Wireless Broadband)

Value: 4 GB for $26.99 per month (512 Kbps download speed)
Elite: 8 GB for $44.99 per month (1 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Free night Traffic from 12:00 am till 7:00 am
-You will have to buy a desktop modem for $209.99 and a PC card for $179.99

5. i-Fly (Wireless Broadband)

5 GB for $26.99 per month (512 Kbps download speed)
8 GB for $35.99 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
12 GB for $59.99 per month (2 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Free night Traffic from 12:00 am till 6:00 am
-You will have to buy a USB dongle (Asus) for $99 or a desktop modem for $150

Internet Service Provider: TerraNet
Founded in 1999, TerraNet provides a comprehensive range of leading internet connectivity services and web solutions.

1. DSL

Low end cost:4 GB for $16 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 30 GB for $110 per month (6 to 8 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note:
-Free night traffic from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
-You will have to get a modem, Ethernet and USB for $40, DSL modem for $69, wi-fi filter for $2 and a splitter for $2

2. WIGO (Wireless)

Low end cost: 1 GB for $16 per month (256 Kbps download speed)
High end cost: 7 GB for $45 per month (128 Kbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note:
-Free night traffic from 12:00 am to 8:00 am
-You will need to get a UE wireless – USB or Ethernet router for $155 (+VAT), PCMCIA router for $80 (+VAT) or PCMCIA router + converter for $120 (+VAT)

3. i-Fly (Wireless)

Low end cost: 3 GB for $18 per month (256 Kbps download speed)
High end cost: 12 GB for $60 per month (2 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note:
-Free night traffic from 12:00 am to 6:00 am
-You will have to get a desktop modem (Ethernet) for $155 (+ VAT) or a USB Dongle for $100 (+ VAT)

4. TerraSmart (Wireless)

Plan 1: 2 GB for $20 per month (256 Kbps download speed)
Plan 2: 4 GB for $27 per month (512 Kbps download speed)
Plan 3: 8 GB for $45 per month (1 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Free night traffic from 12:00 am to 7:00 am
-You will have to buy a CPE unit for $200

5. HDSL

40 GB limit for $150 per month (2 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-Extra volume: 1GB =1000 MB = $4
-You will have to buy a modem, Ethernet, USB, and Subnet of 8 public IPs for a total of $450

6. TerraSOHO

Low end cost: Unlimited traffic for $150 per month (512 Kbps download speed)
High end cost: Unlimited traffic for $600 per month (2 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note: There is $300 setup fee

To get set up, call: 1293 or 01/577511 or e-mail: info@terra.net.lb

Internet Service Provider: Virtual-ISP
Founded in 2004 as a Lebanese joint-stock company, Virtual-ISP is an internet service provider (ISP) based in Dora, Beirut, Lebanon, envisioning a growing demand for digital communications and high-speed access to data and information in almost every home throughout Lebanon.

1. Residential Solutions (DSL)

Low end cost: 4 GB for $15 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 40 GB for $40 per month (2 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note:
-You will have to pay a $38 fee for the ADSL line
-You will have to get a single user ADSL modem for $21, multi user ADSL modem for $30 or wi-fi ADSL modem for $50
-There is a $400 fee for the HDSL package

2. Small-Medium Enterprise Solutions (DSL)

Low end cost: 20 GB for $100 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
High end cost: 50 GB for $250 per month (4 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note:
-There is a $100 set up fee
-You will have to get a SME ADSL moden for $200

3. Corporate Solutions (DSL)

CORP-1: Unlimited traffic for $400 per month (1 Mbps download speed)
CORP-4: Unlimited traffic for $750 per month (4 Mbps download speed)
CORP-8: Unlimited traffic for $1,350 per month (8 Mbps download speed)

Note:
-There is a $200 set up fee
-You will have to get a Corp ADSL modem for $300

4. Broadband

Low end cost: Unlimited traffic for $150 per month (512 Kbps download speed)
High end cost: Unlimited traffic for $450 per month (1.5 Mbps download speed)

Full list of packages here.

Note: There is a $250 installation fee

To get set up, call: 01/247373 or e-mail: support@visp.net.lb