MyAdhan Blog

Link: Lebanese minister vows to prosecute cell-line scalpers

Telecommunication Minister Jebran Bassil warned Monday that his ministry would prosecute any shop that sells prepaid cellular cards at prices above the official rates. In a statement to the press, the minister said the price of a new Alfa prepaid card is $50 while MTC Touch is $51.70, adding that any person who sells these cards above these official rates will be legally prosecuted. There are 27 certified distributors for Alfa and MTC Touch prepaid cards in Lebanon. But customers have complained that the shops selling new pre-paid cards are charging prices ranging from $100 to more than $150. It is estimated that over 70 percent of the 1.2 million mobile subscribers use prepaid cards. The statement asked citizens and consumers to contact the Telecommunications Ministry at 01/979373 during the office hours to file complaints against any person or shop which sells the prepaid cards above the official rates. But a shop owner, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Daily Star that it would be nearly impossible to enforce the decision, as there are hundreds of outlets across Lebanon which sell the new prepaid cards above the official rates.