The excuse of “illegally” imported phones is a cover !
- Mafia war : There are 2 mobile mafias in Lebanon illegally importing phones. Part of this whole mess is a move from one mafia to eliminate the other as the first can have their phones “listed” legally or illegally (bribes)!
- No more privacy : It’s also a way to increase spying on the population and “enriching” their telecom data with all the devices you ever used. Although you can get a phone line under a fake name, it will be tied to your “Registered device”.
This whole initiative needs to blow up in their faces !
Unless lebanon produces mobile phones, there should be 0% taxes on imported phones and electronics !
Putting such restrictions does not solve the problem of actually monitoring illegal imports at the Airport and Beirut Port ! Solve the problem of importing anything illegally in Lebanon, not just phones. Import of weapons, drugs, electonics, medicine, clothes, counterfeit items, dvds …
This whole thing is a poor excuse and cover up for something much much worse !