The use of data transmission facilities for voice telephony is, therefore, banned. However, the MPT believes that it is currently loosing over 30 million minutes per month due to illegal voice over IP services. The MPT is effectively unable to control any voice over IP services utilized through individual internet access. The MPT has drafted a new telecommunications law, which will be submitted to cabinet by mid-March 2001. Given that the current ban on IP telephony is widely viewed as ineffective, it is likely that the market will be liberalized.
Privatization is the next planned step after reorganization of the telecom sector.
Some parties within the government believe that allowing voice over IP could decrease the value of the infrastructure to any potential investors and reduce the revenues anticipated from sale of Liban Telecom. However, others realize that the liberalized market for data and enhanced services delivery will ultimately increase revenues and competitiveness. The patent legislation extends the period of patent protection to twenty years and coverage is expanded to include pharmaceutical products. In the industrial sector, these include communication services. Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, Governor of the Saudi General Investment Authority, commented at some length on the negative list.