Badib: All sensitive government communications are away from the Houthis and will be released with the post office soon

Acting Minister of Communications, Dr. Waed Badhib, confirmed on Saturday the continuation of intensive efforts to liberate the communications sector from the control of the Houthis, noting that bold steps have been taken since he assumed the position in January 2024, despite the difficulties he faced.

Badib said, in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, that he directed the launch of the Starlink satellite internet service since the second day of assuming responsibility, but the implementation was delayed due to some government procedures, pointing to the signing of an agreement with Universal Company through Telemen to provide satellite internet legally.

The Acting Minister of Communications confirmed that basic communications in the legitimate areas are no longer covered by Sana'a, and that any user of (Starlink) will be registered with the ministry in Aden.

Badib revealed plans to expand the Aden Net network to include new areas in the coming weeks, and to increase the number of subscribers to 100,000 within a year. He added that the expansion will include Mokha, Shabwa, Hadramaut Valley, and parts of Abyan and Lahj, with special support from the UAE, in addition to 20,000 new subscribers in Aden, Mukalla, Shabwa, and Mokha.

He also pointed to a future plan to transform the network into a provider of voice communications services in partnership with regional entities.

The minister stressed that the Houthis will face further measures that will limit their control over the sector, stressing that the government will not waste revenues, especially in light of the current economic conditions.

He explained that the next step includes the complete liberalization of the postal and communications sectors, through procedures that have begun to be implemented, without revealing their details at the present time.

Regarding the deal to sell the Yemeni company (MTN) to the Omani company (YOU), Badib explained that the government does not recognize it, as it was not done through official channels, noting that (MTN) still owes more than $500 million.

He called on buyers to review their position, stressing that the government has decisions supported by the judiciary, and that it will take the necessary measures to protect its rights if a legal settlement is not reached.