Basics
There are only two operators in Lebanon:
- Touch (formerly MTC)
- Alfa
Both of them are state owned, but managed by a foreign telecom company. 2G/GSM is on 900 MHz up to EDGE, 3G on 2100 MHz up to HSPA+ and 4G/LTE has started on both networks on 1800 MHz.
Service quality is quite good, fast and reliable. Don't be astonished, that Lebanon charges the highest prices in the region which - because of state regulations - used to be pretty identical between the two major operators. In autumn 2016 the goverment urged providers to lower prices and both operators lowered some rates. Further price reductions are to follow soon.
Regulations
A passport is required to obtain a SIM card in one of the shops of the operators. You may be called by the operator to verify your identity. All prices below are subject to 10% tax where no 'tax incl.' is added.
Touch (formerly MTC)
Touch, up to 2012 called MTC, is state owned, but managed by the Saudi Zain group. It is the leading provider in Lebanon with about 2/3 of the customer base and the best coverage in 2G and 3G. 4G/LTE has started in Beirut: 3G 4G coverage-map
Availability
Prepaid starter packs are sold in their shops: (store-locator). They come in different tariff lines:
- Start: for $13.64 with $9.09 credit, valid for one month
- Smart: for $19.70 with $15.15 credit, valid for one month
- Magic: for $22.73 with same credit, valid for one month
- data-only: for $19 with same credit, valid for one month
You can switch between prepaid plans (Start, Smart, Super and Magic) during the line’s active period for free. Simply text “Start”, “Smart”, “Super” or “magic” to 1144 to do so.
Data feature packages
- daily package: 50 MB for 24 hours: $1. Activation: text “DD” to 1188.
- 2-days package: 200 MB for 48 hours: $ 2. Activation: text "DD2" to 1188.
To check your remaining MBs and time of deactivation, dial *230#. When subscribed to the Daily Data bundle, you can still activate any WhatsApp, or monthly data bundle simultaneously. Active data plans on the line will be consumed successively: First the WhatsApp bundle followed by the Daily Data bundle, and then 3G/4G plan already subscribed to on the line. The daily bundle is not auto-renewed: Once the validity period is reached, it will be automatically deactivated. The Daily Data bundle can be activated on Magic base plans only.
- monthly packs on "3.9G" that means no 4G/LTE and speeds up to 21.6 Mbps:
| Volume | Price | Overuse Fee | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 MB | $ 10 | $ 0.1 / MB | HS1 |
| 1.75 GB | $ 19 | $ 0.08 / MB | HS2 |
| 6 GB | $ 26 | $ 0.07 / MB | HS3 |
| 10 GB | $ 39 | $ 0.07 / MB | HS4 |
| 20 GB | $ 59 | $ 0.06 / MB | HS5 |
| 30 GB | $ 79 | $ 0.05 / MB | HS6 |
| 40 GB | $ 99 | $ 0.05 / MB | HS7 |
| 60 GB | $ 119 | $ 0.05 / MB | HS8 |
All prices are subject to 10% tax. To check your remaining MBs, dial *220#. To subscribe, text code to 1188.
- WhatsApp bundle: all voice SIMs can be added by this bundle for 200 MB WhatsApp for $5 or 300 MB for $ 6 per month. Activation by texting "WA" to 1100.
More info
- APN: touch
- Website in English: http://www.touch.com.lb
Alfa
Alfa is state owned too, but this operator is managed by Egypt-based Orascom Telecom. It calls itself "the leading mobile provider in Lebanon" but in fact is no. 2 with 1/3 of all customers. Yet it's coverage is quite good: C3G coverage map. Its 4G/LTE coverage is even bigger than Touch's beyond Beirut: 4G-LTE coverage.
Availability
Prepaid starter packs are sold in their shops: (distributors). Recharge cards are sold from $ 10 - 75 (tax incl.) giving 13 to 95 days of validity. They offer different starter packs.
Their new prepaid card is $ 25 (tax incl.) giving you the same credit included ($ 22.73 without tax). They also offer a different Alfa card for $ 5 (tax incl.) without credit.
Data feature packages
Default tariff is $ 0.1 - 0.15 per MB depending on plan. You can add these different monthly packages for data:
| Volume | Price | Overuse |
|---|---|---|
| 500 MB | $ 10 | $ 0.1 / MB |
| 1.5 GB | $ 17 | $ 0.08 / MB |
| 5 GB | $ 23 | $ 0.07 / MB |
| 10 GB | $ 39 | $ 0.07 / MB |
| 20 GB | $ 59 | $ 0.06 / MB |
| 30 GB | $ 79 | $ 0.05 / MB |
| 40 GB | $ 99 | $ 0.05 / MB |
| 60 GB | $ 119 | $ 0.05 / MB |
Activation is by typing *111# or text a SMS to 1050 containing 'MBB #' where # is the number of the MB or GB package. All prices are subject to 10% tax.
More info
- APN: internet.mic1.com.lb
- Username: mic1
- Password: mic1
- Website in English: http://www.alfa.com.lb