Lebanon

Basics
There are only two operators in Lebanon: Both of them are state owned, but managed by a foreign telecom. 2G/GSM is on 900 MHz up to EDGE, 3G on 2100 MHz up to HSPA+ and LTE has started on both networks on 1800 MHz.
 * Touch (formerly MTC)
 * Alfa

Service quality is quite good, fast and reliable. Don't be astonished, that Lebanon charges the highest prices in the region and because of state regulations are pretty identical between the two operators.

A passport is required to obtain a SIM card in one of the shops of the operators. You may be called by the operator to verify your identity. All prices below are subject to 10% tax.

Touch (formerly MTC)
Touch, up to 2012 called MTC, is state owned, but managed by the Saudi Zain group. It is the leading provider in Lebanon with about 2/3 of the costumer base and the best coverage in 2G and 3G. 4G/LTE has started in Beirut: 3G 4G coverage-map

Availability
Prepaid starter packs are sold in their shops: (store-locator). They come in different tariff lines: You can all add the same data packages.
 * Start: for $13.64 with $9.09 credit, valid for one month
 * Smart: for $19.70 with $15.15 credit, valid for one month
 * Data: for $19 with same credit, valid for one month. This SIM is data-only and text, no voice.

Data feature packages
They offer these monthly packages on 3G and 4G/LTE for all prepaid cards: All prices are subject to 10% tax. To check your remaining MBs, dial *220#. To subscribe, send code to 1188.
 * Whatsapp Bundle: all voice SIMs can be added by this bundle for 200 MB Whatsapp for $4 per month. Activation by texting "WA" to 1100.

More info

 * APN: touch
 * Website in English: http://www.touch.com.lb

Alfa
Alfa is state owned too, but this operator is managed by Egypt-based Orascom Telecom. It calls itself "the leading mobile provider in Lebanon" but in fact is no.2 with 1/3 of all customers. Yet it's coverage is quite good: C3G c overage map. It's 4G/LTE coverage even bigger than Touch's beyond Beirut: 4G-LTE coverage.

Availability
Prepaid starter packs are sold in their shops: (distributors). Recharge cards are from $10 to $75 (tax incl.) giving 13 to 95 days of validity. They offer different starter packs.

Their new prepaid card is $25 (tax incl.) giving you the same credit included ($22.73 without tax). They have another Alfa card for $5 (tax incl.) without credit.

Data feature packages
You can add these monthly packages for data: Activation is by typing *111#. All prices are subject to 10% tax.

More info

 * APN: internet.mic1.com.lb
 * Username: mic1
 * Password: mic1
 * Website in English: http://www.alfa.com.lb