The Armenian government has discussed usage of Armenian Unicode fonts for state structures’ records. “Armenian state structures are using various encodings in their work. Moreover, their websites are often unreadable because of the encoding used,” Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said. He also instructed all Ministers to open e-mails at gov.am domain. According to head of the government administration David Sargsyan, the problem may be resolved in a couple of weeks.

The Armenian National Statistical Service issued the results for IT sector in January-April 2010. According to the data provided, the revenue increased by 6.2% as compared with the 2009 index and totaled AMD 52.9 bln. During the reporting period, 459 computers were assembled, what is 3.4% more than last year (475). 2% drop was recorded in tariffs for communication services.

Open Society Institute Foundation (Soros Foundation) announced localization contest for Symbian, Android and Windows mobile operational systems. With application process completed, expert team will announce the winner to be in charge of project development. Armenian Mobile OS localization program development will be finalized by autumn 2010. Localization package requirements are: Symbian 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.5 (Nokia S60 3rd and 5th Editions), Maemo, Android and WindowsMobile 6.1, 6.5 7.0. OS support; open source programming language.

The Armenian National Assembly debated the bill on introduction of amendments and addenda to the Law On Television and Radio supposing digitalization of TV and radio transmission. The amendments concern transfer to digital data broadcast (BBD), what will allow to secure efficient usage of coverage area, unification of information networks and compatibility of technical tools. Licenses will be issued though tenders. Digital data broadcast network is a integral system of multiplexers and relevant infrastructures which enable TV and radio broadcasting. The system is supposed to be state-owned. The first tender will be held on July 20, 2010. 18 TV channels will be selected, with licenses taking effect January 20, 2011. The transition period will last till July 20, 2013. The next tender will be held in 10 years. 4 radio stations will also be digitized.

The entry of new fixed-line telephony operators to the Armenian market won’t result in reduction of ArmenTel’s tariffs. “The fixed-line telephony tariffs are determined by the Public Services Regulatory Commission. I see no connection between entry of a new operator and lowering of tariffs,” said Igor Klimko, Armentel CEO.

When in China, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met with executive director of Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd and President of Zhong Xing Telecommunication Equipment Company Limited (ZTE) to discuss prospects of cooperation in production of equipment, e-governance and development of telecommunication systems. A memorandum of cooperation was signed with Huawei.

Armenian cellular operator VivaCell-MTS joined the Armenian Fund for Internet Traffic Exchange (ARMIX), following Orange Armenia, ADC, Ucom, iCon, Web, Apaga Technologies, GNC Alfa, Shirak Technologies and other telecommunications companies.

Prices for Internet services may go down in 2010, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said during the 10th anniversary congress of the Union of Information Technologies Enterprises (UITE) on April 14. He said the government will address problems persisting in the field.

When Karine Mkrtchyan, 30, came up with an idea six months ago to bring Armenia’s hidden problems to the surface, she placed her thoughts on the backburner, thinking it could take years to realize her dream.

On April 8-10, Tbilisi hosted Social Innovation Camp Caucasus. The camp brought together Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani designers, marketing specialists, programmers, advertisement specialists and representatives of other professions in Tbilisi. Six projects were presented, three of them by Armenian participants (Mariam Sukhudyan, Onnik Grigoryan, Karine Mkrtchyan). Two projects were submitted by Georgians (David Chaganava, Green Alternative association) and one project is from Azerbaijan (Khanim Javadova.) The projects refer to ecology, reproductive health, education, freedom of information, etc.