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Internet connection has been a hot topic in Libya for a while now, and has been discussed in the Bifocal in previous issues. Last week, we gave our readers the chance to ask the questions they wanted answered by Libya Telecom and Technology (LTT), the first and main Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Libya, who responded to the Bifocal article on January 6th that addressed the general frustration with Internet connection in Libya. The main frustration being - we just don’t know what the problem is.
Not only is a stable Internet connection a requisite to experiencing the advantages of Internet, such as social networking, connecting with people, not to mention the access to news and unlimited general information; but it is also vital to the flourishing of the private and public sector in Libya.
There is no doubt that people’s frustrations are justified. However, this does not dismiss the possibility that there is justified reasoning behind it. Well, this is a decision we are leaving for you to make.
The Bifocal often answers the questions that affect the general public, and sometimes we can be the medium through which answers are given, as was the case this week. The Tripoli Post was pleased to interview LTT’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ahmed Mansur Habil where he offers LTT’s side of the story, discussing the dynamics and the struggles of the company in detail in this exclusive interview:
My article, “Internet Service, Some Service,” discusses the state of Internet connection in Libya, and refrains from mentioning LTT or any other company in Libya. Does LTT feel a sense of responsibility for where Internet stands today?
AMH: Of course. As the first public Internet service provider in Libya, we have been tasked with providing that service throughout the country in its entirety. We feel a sense of obligation in this respect and, as a company, refrain from pointing fingers in any direction. We are working diligently to resolve the core issue at hand. Nobody is in denial here.
Describe the dynamics of LTT as a company.
AMH: Just to give you a run-down of the company; our staff totals to about 500 employees, 100 of which are engineers. We currently have offices in Tripoli, Benghazi, Zawiya, Sabha, and Misurata. We offer dial-up to ADSL, wimax, as well mobile services, and are looking to strengthen our human resources in Misurata, Benghazi and Sabha, not to mention expand staff.
We offer a range of 17 services, and face many challenges in balancing the range of services, with the drastic increase of internet subscribers in just the last two years, which all depend on the main issue at hand. Infrastructure in Libya.
What are the main challenges of LTT?
AMH: As the main service provider in the country, we are faced with the responsibility of providing service but also with improving that service. The problem is that LTT is only one branch of the communication tree in Libya. We are reliant on other providers, i.e. the Libyan International Telecommunication connectivity.
The core issue at hand here is the Libyan infrastructure, and we are all working diligently to improve that reality.
Who do you mean by ‘we’?
AMH: The Libyan government has been striving to increase cooperation within the public sector. There are a lot of things happening that are exciting for the general improvement of infrastructure in Libya. This is an effort being led by a teamwork effort.
Committees between the public and private sectors have been formed. LTT is deeply involved in this effort, and is always willing to work with any effort that leads to improving the core communications network in Libya.
Can you describe exactly what needs to be done for Internet connection to experience significant improvement?
AMH: Well, what we are working on is developing the next generation backbone network, which will interconnect a large number (an estimation of 140-150) of points of presences (POP) with fibre optic connectivity in attempt to strengthen the core communication network in Libya, which will provide access to higher speed Internet.
After its development, it will be a matter of managing signal issues, much like cell-phone coverage. We are also working to provide fibre optics directly to homes and business via an external fibere optic link.
The six-eight months that followed the 2011 revolution, LTT was playing catch-up; fixing damaged equipment of the network. We have been working hard, and every day we make leaps and bounds.
We are not only working on improving service but expanding its reach to cities without previous internet coverage. By the end of March, we expect to cover a total of ten new cities under the LTT coverage umbrella.
In the second part of the interview I will delve into the nitty-gritty of Internet service in Libya; how LTT’s customer service department runs, and how the company deals with unsatisfied customers.
tripolipost
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