BEIRUT: Telecommunication Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui launched Tuesday a project to enhance the coverage of the cellular network in the Kesrouan region so that it can be accessible to 200,000 residents in this mountainous region.

Mobile operators Alfa and touch have started the program in Kesrouan to serve residents who in the past were unable to get strong reception. The new system will replace an old antenna that had been installed by the Telecommunication Ministry.

The minister said the antenna, which was known as WLL (Wireless Local Loop), provided regular phone services and caused serious problems for mobile users in the region.

“The service will be confined to villages and towns which suffer from a bad connection,” the minister explained. He added that the new service will cover 34 local exchange centers which feed 200 villages and towns.