Syrian Telecom: A Complete Guide to Syria’s Telecommunications Landscape

Syria’s telecommunications sector has undergone dramatic shifts over the past two decades—from rigid state control under Hafez al-Assad to cautious liberalization under Bashar, and now to post-conflict reconstruction efforts. At the center of this complex network sits Syrian Telecom, the state-owned backbone that enables everything from landline calls in Damascus to mobile data in Aleppo.

This article breaks down the key players, services, challenges, and future direction of Syrian telecommunications. Whether you’re a researcher tracking regional telecom development, an investor exploring opportunities, or simply trying to understand how connectivity works in Syria, you’ll find the essential info here.

Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE): Fast Facts

The Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE)—known in Arabic as المؤسسة العامة للاتصالات السورية—serves as the state-owned backbone of Syria’s entire telecom sector. It functions as the primary fixed-line operator and wholesale provider for the country.

• Full name: Syrian Telecommunications Establishment (STE)

• Founded: 10 July 1975, via Decree No. 1935

• Governing authority: Ministry of Communications and Technology

• Primary role: Manages Syria’s public switched telephone network (PSTN) and core infrastructure

State monopoly areas:

• Fixed telephone lines throughout Syria

• International voice gateways

• Legacy telex services

• Core backbone infrastructure connecting all governorates

Key network identifiers:

• Operates AS29256 and AS29386 (autonomous systems)

• Routes traffic for twelve downstream ISPs and service providers

• Controls primary fiber backbone and main international links

• Manages submarine cable connections and terrestrial cross-border routes

STE’s position means that every phone call, data packet, and internet connection in government-controlled areas ultimately flows through its infrastructure. This makes understanding STE essential for anyone looking to read the state of Syrian telecom.

STE Services and Network Footprint

STE occupies a unique position as Syria’s main infrastructure provider for voice, data, and wholesale connectivity. Both private companies and government entities depend on its network to stay connected.

Core retail services:

• Copper and fiber landlines across urban centers

• ADSL and VDSL internet via local telephone exchanges

• Limited FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) deployments in Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia

• Basic data packages for residential and business customers

Wholesale and carrier services:

• IP transit for local ISPs

• MPLS networks for enterprise connectivity

• Leased lines for dedicated corporate access

• International capacity sales to downstream providers

• Interconnection services with Syriatel and MTN mobile networks

Geographic reach:

• National backbone connecting all major governorates: Damascus, Homs, Hama, Aleppo, Latakia, Tartus, Deir ez-Zor, and others

• Denser infrastructure concentration in urban centers

• Limited coverage expansion in rural and conflict-affected areas

• Primary nodes in Damascus serving as the hub for international connection points

Resource management:

• Controls landline numbering prefixes across Syria

• Manages allocated IP blocks for the country

• Oversees national internet gateways

• Administers domain resources and routing policies

For businesses operating in Syria or users seeking fixed broadband access, STE remains the first point of contact for establishing connectivity.

Telecom Market Structure in Syria

Syria operates under a state-controlled telecommunications framework. STE handles fixed networks and backbone infrastructure, while two main mobile operators—Syriatel and MTN—provide wireless services under government oversight.

STE’s role:

• Historic monopoly over fixed-line telephony and international voice

• Controls wholesale infrastructure that mobile operators and ISPs depend on

• Dominates national leased lines and broadband access markets

• No meaningful competition at the backbone level

Mobile operators:

Operator	Services	Key characteristics
Syriatel	2G/3G/4G voice and data	Historically linked to regime-connected business interests; dominant in government-held areas
MTN Syria	2G/3G/4G voice and data	Operates under constrained conditions since 2021; majority stake transferred to judicial guardianship
Wafa Telecom	Licensed February 2022	Awarded exclusive 5G rights; no commercial launch yet; linked to Iranian interests

ISP layer:

• Multiple smaller ISPs purchase upstream capacity from STE via AS29256 and AS29386

• These providers resell broadband access to homes and enterprises

• ISP licensing accelerated under the transitional government—five new licenses issued in early 2025 with 20 more planned

Competition dynamics:

• Service-layer competition exists for mobile bundles and retail internet

• Core infrastructure and international gateways remain tightly state-controlled

• Market liberalization remains partial—entry barriers persist for foreign investment at the backbone level

Regulation, Pricing, and Recent Controversies

The Ministry of Communications and Technology, along with associated regulatory bodies, sets tariffs, issues licenses, and establishes quality standards for Syrian telecom companies. Recent months have seen significant tension between operators and customers over pricing changes.

November 2024 price increases:

Syriatel and MTN implemented substantial tariff adjustments that raised data and voice bundle prices by approximately 70–100%.

Bundle type	Old price range	New price range (SYP)
Basic data packages	~14,000 SYP	24,000–40,000 SYP
Premium bundles	~80,000 SYP	Up to 300,000 SYP
Rollover data options	Varied	Restructured with new terms

Changes that angered users:

• Removal of popular hourly and night internet packages

• Elimination of high-volume, affordable data options

• Less transparency about how data consumption is calculated

• Reduction in balance flexibility for prepaid customers

Public reaction:

• Widespread social media criticism across platforms

• Users shared side-by-side comparisons of old versus new bundles

• Complaints centered on affordability during ongoing economic hardship

• Calls for government intervention to protect consumers

Ministry response:

• Formal request to Syriatel and MTN for price justification

• Required submission of 60-day network upgrade and quality-improvement plans

• Demanded coverage maps and KPIs to demonstrate value for customers

• Mandated clearer communication on bundle contents and consumption tracking

The broader policy context involves ongoing sector restructuring. Authorities are attempting to balance operator cost recovery with user protection while creating conditions for technology upgrades and potential foreign investment.

Role of Syriatel and MTN in Syria’s Digital Development

While STE provides the backbone infrastructure, Syriatel and MTN serve as the primary consumer-facing engines of mobile phone services and digital access in Syria. Their efforts to expand coverage and introduce new technology have shaped how millions of Syrians experience connectivity.

Mobile coverage expansion:

• Both operators expanded from major cities into smaller towns and rural areas

• Combined networks now reach most inhabited regions in government-controlled territory

• Investment in base stations and transmission equipment continues despite challenges

Syriatel contributions:

• Pioneered mobile services in Syria

• Progressed from basic voice/SMS to 3G and 4G data

• December 2024: launched prepaid data plans ranging from SYP 14,000 for 4 GB to SYP 40,000 for 20 GB monthly

• Introduced rollover data and zero-rated access for civil service employees

• Developing digital customer platforms and mobile apps for bundle management

MTN contributions:

• Significant investment in 3G/4G infrastructure

• Reputation for relatively better 4G performance in some regions

• Tech partnerships aimed at high-speed internet improvement

• Positioned as key player in Syria’s technological upgrade path

Digital transformation focus:

• Both companies frame strategies around supporting e-commerce and e-government

• Online education platforms benefit from mobile data access

• Digital tools for businesses enabled through connectivity

• Growth potential in mobile financial services and apps

Ministerial perspective: Per-capita telecom spending in Syria ranks among the lowest in the region. Future tariff structures are expected to become more tiered and segment-based, with differentiated packages for students, employees, and business users to meet evolving needs.

Consumer Experience: Bundles, Coverage, and Practical Access

Practical access to Syrian telecommunications depends on a mix of fixed lines, mobile SIMs, and Wi-Fi connections. Quality and reliability vary significantly across regions, and users have developed strategies to navigate the options available.

How Syrian residents typically connect:

• Landlines or ADSL where available (primarily urban areas)

• Mobile data bundles from Syriatel or MTN for everyday internet

• Common uses: social media, messaging apps, study resources, remote work

• Many users balance between multiple connection types depending on cost and quality

Coverage patterns by area:

Region	Fixed coverage	Mobile coverage	Notes
Damascus	High	Excellent	Best overall connectivity in country
Aleppo	Moderate	Good	Rebuilding ongoing after conflict damage
Homs, Latakia, Tartus	Moderate	Good	Relatively stable infrastructure
Rural governorates	Low	Patchy	Limited investment, difficult terrain
Conflict-affected areas	Poor	Variable	Significant infrastructure gaps

Practical user info:

• Dial 111 for customer support on both Syriatel and MTN networks

• Arabic-language mobile apps available for managing bundles and checking balances

• Prepaid SIMs dominate; postpaid options limited

• Users can choose between various data packages based on volume and validity

Traveler experience:

• Limited tourist SIM options compared to other countries

• SIM registration requires visiting official operator shops with identification

• Hotel Wi-Fi generally slow and unreliable—mobile data preferred

• Coverage gaps may affect communication in remote tourist sites

Alternative networks:

• In areas like Idlib, Syria Phone and cross-border signals from Turkey or Lebanon may be more usable

• Some communities rely on satellite or informal network arrangements

• These alternatives operate outside official STE infrastructure

Key Challenges for Syrian Telecom

A decade of conflict, economic strain, and international sanctions has left deep marks on Syria’s digital infrastructure and service quality. Reconstruction efforts face multiple simultaneous obstacles.

Infrastructure damage:

• Destroyed towers and base stations in previously contested areas

• Damaged fiber routes requiring complete reconstruction

• Ageing exchanges in need of replacement

• 2024 quantified losses: 23,996 meters of armored/unarmored cables valued at 6.9 billion SYP

• Additional losses: 50,253 meters of suspended cables at 3.2 billion SYP

• Affected regions include parts of Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, and rural Homs

Technology and capacity gaps:

• Legacy copper networks still dominant in many areas

• 2G/3G systems require upgrades to meet modern demands

• FTTH deployment limited by financial constraints

• 4G coverage incomplete; 5G remains in preparation phase only

• Mobile quality impacted by unmaintained receivers, transmitters, and batteries

Regulatory and political obstacles:

• Complex licensing procedures slow new market entrants

• Limited competition at backbone level restricts innovation

• International sanctions impede equipment and software imports

• Wafa Telecom’s Iranian ties raise concerns about foreign influence

• Political instability deters long-term investment commitments

Economic pressure on users:

• Rapid currency depreciation erodes purchasing power

• Low incomes make even modest tariffs burdensome

• Tension between operator sustainability and customer affordability

• Per-capita telecom spending among lowest regionally

Operational challenges:

• Power shortages cause frequent network outages

• Difficulty maintaining sites in remote or insecure areas

• Skilled telecom engineers increasingly scarce

• Work conditions challenging in reconstruction zones

• One-third of territory historically outside government control relied on alternative networks

Future Outlook for Syrian Telecom

Despite significant difficulties, defined priorities are emerging to rebuild, digitize, and attract investment into Syria’s telecommunications sector. The transitional government has signaled commitment to rapid modernization.

Infrastructure recovery plans:

• Continued restoration of damaged base stations and transmission equipment

• Expansion of fiber backbones connecting governorates

• Selective FTTH rollouts in business districts and dense residential areas

• June 2025: Gulf groups submitted tender for national fiber-optic corridor development

Potential technology upgrades:

• Broader 4G coverage as priority upgrade path

• Pilot 5G or fixed wireless access in key zones when conditions allow

• Increased use of fiber for mobile backhaul

• Wafa Telecom holds exclusive 5G license but has not yet announced commercial launch

Policy ambitions:

• Creating transparent tariff structures with clear customer communication

• Encouraging public-private partnerships for infrastructure investment

• Carefully opening market segments to foreign and regional investors

• Streamlined licensing—process previously taking a year now targeted at weeks

User-centric goals:

• Improving quality of service: latency, speed, uptime

• Widening coverage to rural and marginalized communities

• Tailoring bundles to different income groups and usage profiles

• Introducing segment-specific packages for students and employees

• Ensuring affordable access options remain available

Market projections:

• Syria Telecom MNO sector projected at USD 376.40 million in 2025

• Expected growth at 2.56% CAGR reaching USD 427.20 million by 2030

• Growth dependent on political stability enabling reconstruction

Syria’s telecom infrastructure—led by STE and complemented by Syriatel, MTN, and emerging ISPs—represents a critical platform for broader economic recovery and digital inclusion. The sector’s ability to expand, upgrade, and improve will directly impact Syria’s capacity to rebuild.

Key takeaways:

• STE (Syrian Telecommunications Establishment) remains the state-controlled backbone of all telecom in Syria

• Syriatel and MTN dominate the mobile market, though both face operational and regulatory pressures

• Recent price increases triggered public backlash and government scrutiny

• Infrastructure damage from conflict creates massive reconstruction requirements

• Future growth depends on political stability, investment access, and technology modernization

For those tracking development in the region or contributing to reconstruction efforts, Syria’s telecom sector offers both significant challenges and opportunities for impact. The coming years will determine whether these networks can evolve to meet the connectivity needs of Syria’s population and economy.