Low-cost internet services reach Syria's al-Bab
Internet access in the countryside of Aleppo are rapidly expanding thanks to private companies and intense competition.
ALEPPO, Syria — Private companies are providing internet services to the areas controlled by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army in the countryside of Aleppo in northwest Syria. Neither government nor opposition-affiliated service networks reach these areas.
These companies have obtained licenses from local councils supported by Turkey and are competing for customers in quality, price and coverage in remote areas.
After the Syrian government lost control of the Aleppo countryside in 2012, Syrians there have become dependent on many Turkish services including communication networks, whose range reaches deep inside Syria.
An official in al-Bab’s local council told Al-Monitor, “The increase in the number of private companies in the city has created a competitive environment to attract more subscribers and achieve greater financial returns. We have granted licenses for many companies and the local council is trying to play a supervisory and encouraging role … to develop this sector and provide high quality services at low prices.”
