Access to information and reduction of inequalities do not come automatically through a multitude of channels

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.

May 27, 2010
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.

New fixed-line telephony operators’ entry to Armenian market won’t result in lower tariffs

Review of May 3-10 IT and Telecom events.

May 10, 2010
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.

U.S. and Chinese IT companies show interest in Armenian market

Review of April 26-May 3 telecommunications and IT events.

May 6, 2010
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.

DETECON offers formation of three-stage network hierarchy in Armenia

Review of April 19-26 telecommunications and IT events.

April 27, 2010
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.

Internet prices may go down in 2010

Review of April 12-19 main telecommunications and IT events

April 22, 2010
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.

Social Media in the South Caucasus: Shaping Society from the Bottom-Up

Last weekend, Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Georgians worked together in creating websites aimed at social change from a grassroots approach.

April 15, 2010
Social Media in the South Caucasus: Shaping Society from the Bottom-Up
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.

U!Com preparing for fixed telephone connection

Overview of main events in telecommunications and IT sphere.

April 15, 2010
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.

Increased number of Internet subscribers registered in Armenia; providers diversify connection channels

Main IT events of March 15-21.

March 25, 2010
Number of internet users increased 47.75 times over the period of 1998-2008, according to bbcrussian.com. Thus, 4000 internet users were registered in Armenia in 1998, their number increasing to 30 000 the next year. As of 2008, 191 thousand internet users were registered in Armenia. Obviously, BBC Russia information service used statistical data provided by international electronic connection union to make the statistic report. Meanwhile Armenian experts repeatedly noted that the statistic data cited is not complete, as mobile internet users were not taken into account while composing the assessment.

Government plans to further expand IT in the educations system

Review of telecommunications and information technogy events from February 20 to 27.

March 1, 2010
The government announced plans to connect most of Armenia’s general and secondary schools to the internet and join them into a unified network by 2011. The director of National Center for Educational Technologies Areg Grigoryan said 624 schools are already connected to the world wide web with plans pending to connect 750 more schools to the internet once work on building the dedicated network is completed as part of a World Bank funded project.

Armenian mobile market nears maturity

Market data indicates that growth is with the internet services market and we will continue to see high-speed mobile offerings here.

February 18, 2010
Armenian mobile services market edged closer to full saturation in 2009, with nearly every working adult in the country of 3.2 million people having one or more mobile phones, and the number of mobile subscribers passing the 2,5 million mark. While the mobile operators say that there is still a lot of room to grow and compete, the question is – how exactly that competition will take place, and will the customers and the telecom sector benefit from the fight for market or otherwise.
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