THE MODERNIZATION OF ITT NET IN ARMENIA REQUIRES AN INVESTMENT OF 100-150 MLN. USD

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS:The modernization of Information and Telecommunication net in Armenia requires an investment of US $100-150 million. In the July 4 briefing with journalists in Dilijan the Armenian Economy Minister Nerses Yeritsyan noted that it is possible to implement that only by means of the state-private cooperation. Armenian Economy Ministry, according to him, has within its strategic projects issued an announcement of the selection of an international consultant. After the selection and hire of the consultant, he/she should propose a model of stat-private cooperation, on the basis of which concept of a new , the so called “internet-operator’s” idea is intended to input in Armenia, which will provide a wide internet availability. To achieve this goal, the Ministry will carry out programs in several directions, particularly the state will make investments in this sphere by means of the involved means from the World Bank and some other international institutions, afterwards some rules will be set to ensure a free competition field and to promote to private investments in that sphere. According to the Minister there is also a problem of television and radio digitalization, now new technologies are being applied in that field, due to which only by means of one wire it will be possible to provide internet, telephone and TV-set. As for the providing of internet availability on a proper level in Armenia, according to N. Yeritsyan, the attention here is focused on the providing of internet in the provinces. The greatest problem, by his words, is the low inner demand, and in order to enlarge the inner demand it is necessary to develop the inner infrastructures. “There is a certain problem of regulating and consolidation as well. It is necessary to establish closer cooperation between the operating institutions. The development of the system requires large investments as well”, - the Minister said.