Libya’s telecoms minister Osama Siala says the government has backed the idea of a third mobile phone operator in Libya, with a tender process to start within the next three to six months.

Libya’s telecoms ministry has issued a public consultation for the Libyan National Frequency Plan (LNFP), part of a wider scheme for a new telecoms law and regulatory body.

Staff protests and sit-ins have disrupted the operations of Libya’s largest mobile operator, according to local press reports.

An attack on the Silphium cable has affected internet services in eastern Libya, according to the telecoms ministry.

French telecoms firm Alcatel-Lucent has won a €1.7m (LD2.8m) deal from Hatif Libya to upgrade the country's landline network.

Internet and phone connections in Kufra, south-east Libya, were restored on 7 July after being cut off for some 18 hours.

Accidental damage to a cable near Nalut, in western Libya, caused phone lines to be cut on 3 July.

A group of employees continued to protest outside the ministry last week, according to local media, claiming that they were attacked by armed groups who tried to remove them from the site.

The Ministry of Communication and Informatics has asked striking employees to return to work, saying the labour action has caused "serious losses".

Libya's telecoms ministry plans to permit greater private-sector involvement in the market, which is currently dominated by the state.

The Hong Kong-based firm has launched a new Ka-band satellite telecoms service to users in Libya.

Libyan company signs with TI Sparkle to offer high speed data transmission services.

New plans announced to deliver ASDL fixed-line internet connections to ten outlying Libyan towns.

Optical fibre manufacturer Nextrom has reportedly discussed setting up a plant in Benghazi in partnership with the Libyan telecoms authorities.

The state-owned Libyan International Telecommunications Company (LITC) has appointed France's Alcatel to supply equipment to north-east Libya.