The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2024 Africa
Telecommunication systems Libya, in 35 editions.
The entry for Libya published Telecommunication systems in 35 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2024. The text changed in 25 editions. Each is shown as published. Telecommunication systems in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 25
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2024
Published as “Telecommunications” (1990 to 1994), “Telephone system” (1995 to 2019) and “Telecommunication systems” (2020 to 2024).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2024 edition
Same as 2023Published as “Telecommunications”
- modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations;
- 370,000 telephones;
- stations--18 AM, 3 FM, 13 TV;
- satellite earth stations-- 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- radio relay to Tunisia;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones; stations--18 AM, 3 FM, 13 TV; satellite earth stations-- 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarine cables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia; tropospheric scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
Published as “Telecommunications”
- modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations;
- 370,000 telephones;
- stations--18 AM, 3 FM, 13 TV;
- satellite earth stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- radio relay to Tunisia;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones; stations--18 AM, 3 FM, 13 TV; satellite earth stations-- 1 stations--1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarine cables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia; tropospheric scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
The same text in 1992 and 1993.
Published as “Telecommunications”
- modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations;
- 370,000 telephones;
- broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV;
- satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable,
tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones; stations--18
broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 13 12 TV; satellite earth stations--1 stations - 1
Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarine
cables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia; Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric
scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
Published as “Telecommunications”
- modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations;
- 370,000 telephones;
- broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV;
- satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable,
tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones;
telephones; broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite earth
stations - 1
domestic; submarine
and Egypt; tropospheric
Intersputnik satellite stations
Published as “Telephone system”
370,000 telephones; modern telecommunications system
- local:
- NA
- intercity:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and 14 domestic satellites
- international:
- 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) satellite earth stations;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite earth stations
370,000 telephones; modern telecommunications system using
local: NA
intercity: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable,
and 14 domestic satellite stations; 370,000 satellites
telephones; broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite earthstations - 1 international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 Ocean)domestic; satellite earth stations; submarine cables to France and Italy;
microwave radio relay to Tunisia
Greece; planned ARABSAT and
Published as “Telephone system”
modern telecommunications system
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean);
- planned Arabsat and Intersputnik satellite earth stations;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel
370,000 telephones; modern telecommunications systemlocal: NA domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric
intercity:scatter,
scatter, and 14 a domestic satellites satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: satellite earth stations - 2 INTELSAT Intelsat (1 Atlantic
Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) Ocean); planned Arabsat and Intersputnik
satellite earth stations; submarine cables to France and Italy;
microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to
Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite earth stations participant in Medarabtel
Published as “Telephone system”
modern telecommunications system
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean);
- planned Arabsat and Intersputnik satellite earth stations;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel
modern telecommunications system
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric
and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic
and 1 Indian Ocean); planned Arabsat and Intersputnik
stations; submarine cables to France and Italy;
to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to
Medarabtel
Published as “Telephone system”
modern telecommunications system
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- satellite earth stations-2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean);
- planned Arabsat and Intersputnik satellite earth stations;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel
modern telecommunications system
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter,
and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: satellite earth stations - 2 stations-2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean
and 1 Indian Ocean); planned Arabsat and Intersputnik satellite earth
stations; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave radio relay
to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in
Medarabtel
Published as “Telephone system”
telecommunications system is being modernized; cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- satellite earth stations--4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel
modern telecommunications system is being modernized;
cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular,
tropospheric scatter,
stations
international: satellite earth stations-2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean stations--4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and
and 1 Indian Ocean); planned ArabsatIntersputnik satellite earthstations; NA Intersputnik; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave
radio relay
participant in
Published as “Telephone system”
telecommunications system is being modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (1999)
telecommunications system is being modernized;
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular,
international: satellite earth stations--4 stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is being modernized;
- mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996 domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (1999)
general assessment: telecommunications system is being modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
The same text in 2002 and 2003.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is being modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (1999)
general assessment: telecommunications system is being modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (1999)
The same text in 4 editions, 2004 to 2007.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is being modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (1999)
general assessment: telecommunications system is being modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (1999)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is being modernized;
- mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996;
- combined fixed line and mobile telephone density approached 90 telephones per 100 persons in 2007
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2007)
general assessment: telecommunications system is being modernized; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996 1996; combined fixed line and mobile telephone density approached 90 telephones per 100 persons in 2007
domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (1999) (2007)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade;
- state retains monopoly in fixed-line services;
- mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996;
- multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly;
- combined fixed line and mobile telephone density is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons
- domestic:
- microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cables to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2008)
general assessment:
telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being modernized; made to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile cellular telephone system became operational in 1996; multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed line and mobile telephone density approached 90 is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons in 2007
domestic:
microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
international:
country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2007) (2008)
The same text in 2010 and 2011.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade;
- state retains monopoly in fixed-line services;
- mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly;
- combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cable to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2009)
general assessment:
telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile cellular mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996; 1996
domestic:
multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed line fixed-line and mobile telephone density mobile-cellular teledensity is approaching 100 telephones per 100 personsdomestic:international:
microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, cellular, tropospheric scatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations
country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cables cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2008) (2009)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade;
- state retains monopoly in fixed-line services;
- mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has soared
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cable to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel
general assessment:
telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
domestic:
multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is approaching 100 telephones per 100 persons has soared
international:
country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2009)
The same text in 2013 and 2014.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade;
- state retains monopoly in fixed-line services;
- mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has soared
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cable to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2010)
general assessment:
telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
domestic:
multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has soared
international:
country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2010)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, but investment is being made to upgrade;
- state retains monopoly in fixed-line services;
- mobile-cellular telephone system became operational in 1996
- domestic:
- multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has soared
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cable to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2010)
general assessment:
domestic:
international:
The same text in 2016 and 2017.
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- Libya's civil war has disrupted its telecommunications sector, but much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries
- domestic:
- combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular service generally adequate, but pressure to rebuild damaged infrastructure growing
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cable to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2015)
general assessment: Libya's civil war has disrupted its telecommunications system is state-owned and service is poor, sector, but investment is being made much of its infrastructure remains superior to upgrade; state retains monopoly in fixed-line services; mobile-cellular telephone system became operational that in 1996 most other African countries
domestic: multiple providers for a mobile telephone system that is growing rapidly; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity has soared service generally adequate, but pressure to rebuild damaged infrastructure growing
international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2010) (2015)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecommunications sector, but much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries;
- registering a SIM card now requires proof of ID;
- govt. established new indepentent regulatory autority;
- LTE-based fixed broadband network launched (2018)
- domestic:
- 21 per 100 fixed-line and 115 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate, but pressure to rebuild damaged infrastructure growing (2018)
- international:
- country code - 218;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- submarine cable to France and Italy;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2018)
general assessment: Libya's civil war political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecommunications sector, but much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries countries; registering a SIM card now requires proof of ID; govt. established new indepentent regulatory autority; LTE-based fixed broadband network launched (2018)
domestic: combined 21 per 100 fixed-line and 115 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate, but pressure to rebuild damaged infrastructure growing (2018)
international: country code - 218; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2015) (2018)
Published as “Telephone system”
- general assessment:
- political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecommunications sector, but much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries;
- registering a SIM card now requires proof of ID;
- govt. established new independent regulatory authority;
- LTE-based fixed broadband network launched (2018)
- domestic:
- 21 per 100 fixed-line and 115 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate, but pressure to rebuild damaged infrastructure growing (2018)
- international:
- country code - 218;
- landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2019)
general assessment: political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecommunications sector, but much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries; registering a SIM card now requires proof of ID; govt. established new indepentent independent regulatory autority; authority; LTE-based fixed broadband network launched (2018)
domestic: 21 per 100 fixed-line and 115 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate, but pressure to rebuild damaged infrastructure growing (2018)
international: country code - 218; landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; submarine cable to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2018) (2019)
- general assessment:
- political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecommunications sector, but much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries;
- registering a SIM card now requires proof of ID;
- govt. established new independent regulatory authority;
- LTE-based fixed broadband network launched;
- highest market penetration rates in Africa;
- growth opportunity in broadband sector (2020)
- domestic:
- 24 per 100 fixed-line and 91 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2019)
- international:
- country code - 218;
- landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
general assessment: political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecommunications sector, but much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries; registering a SIM card now requires proof of ID; govt. established new independent regulatory authority; LTE-based fixed broadband network launched (2018) launched; highest market penetration rates in Africa; growth opportunity in broadband sector (2020)
domestic: 21 24 per 100 fixed-line and 115 91 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate, but pressure to rebuild damaged infrastructure growing (2018) adequate (2019)
international: country code - 218; landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, NA Arabsat, and NA Intersputnik; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications production and supply chains globally; consumer spending on telecom devices and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of the telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable and satellite - has moderated
- general assessment:
- political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecom sector, as warring factions make mobile towers a target and construction workers regularly cut cables by mistake;
- much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries;
- rival operators fight for control;
- investment in fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables;
- limited LTE and 5G service;
- some satellite broadband;
- Chinese companies have heavily invested in Libyan infrastructure and now dominate the telecommunications sector;
- in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2021)
- domestic:
- 24 per 100 fixed-line and 91 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2019)
- international:
- country code - 218;
- landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
general assessment: political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecommunications telecom sector, but as warring factions make mobile towers a target and construction workers regularly cut cables by mistake; much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries; registering a SIM card now requires proof of ID; govt. established new independent regulatory authority; LTE-based fixed broadband network launched; highest market penetration rates rival operators fight for control; investment in Africa; growth opportunity fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables; limited LTE and 5G service; some satellite broadband; Chinese companies have heavily invested in broadband sector (2020) Libyan infrastructure and now dominate the telecommunications sector; in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2021)
domestic: 24 per 100 fixed-line and 91 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2019)
international: country code - 218; landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2019)
note: the COVID-19 outbreak is negatively impacting telecommunications pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and services has also slowed due to the pandemic's effect consequent restriction on economies worldwide; overall progress towards improvements in all facets of disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom industry - mobile, fixed-line, broadband, submarine cable services as a tool for work and satellite - has moderated school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
- general assessment:
- political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecom sector;
- much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries;
- rival operators fight for control;
- investment in fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables;
- limited LTE and 5G service;
- some satellite broadband;
- in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2022)
- domestic:
- nearly 23 per 100 fixed-line and over 43 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2020)
- international:
- country code - 218;
- landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
general assessment: political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecom sector, as warring factions make mobile towers a target and construction workers regularly cut cables by mistake; sector; much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries; rival operators fight for control; investment in fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables; limited LTE and 5G service; some satellite broadband; Chinese companies have heavily invested in Libyan infrastructure and now dominate the telecommunications sector; in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2021) (2022)
domestic: 24 nearly 23 per 100 fixed-line and 91 over 43 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2019) (2020)
international: country code - 218; landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards toward 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and has increased due to the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became is still evident, and received some support from governments the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
The same text in 2023 and 2024.
- general assessment:
- political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecom sector;
- much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries;
- rival operators fight for control;
- investment in fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables;
- limited LTE and 5G service;
- some satellite broadband;
- in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2022)
- domestic:
- nearly 23 per 100 fixed-line and over 43 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2021)
- international:
- country code - 218;
- landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia;
- satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik;
- microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt;
- tropospheric scatter to Greece;
- participant in Medarabtel (2019)
general assessment: political and security instability in Libya has disrupted its telecom sector; much of its infrastructure remains superior to that in most other African countries; rival operators fight for control; investment in fiber backbone and upgrades to international cables; limited LTE and 5G service; some satellite broadband; in 2021 Libya signed deals and projects with US firms to upgrade portions of its infrastructure, increasing the diversity of its telecommunications networks (2022)
domestic: nearly 23 per 100 fixed-line and over 43 per 100 mobile-cellular subscriptions; service generally adequate (2020) (2021)
international: country code - 218; landing points for LFON, EIG, Italy-Libya, Silphium and Tobrok-Emasaed submarine cable system connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat, Arabsat, and Intersputnik; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; participant in Medarabtel (2019)
note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress toward 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Libya: Telecommunication systems.” The World Factbook, 1990–2024 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/libya/telecommunication-systems.