ICT ministry drafts plan to reduce Internet tariffs
By Nigar Orujova
The Azerbaijani Communications and Information Technology Ministry has prepared a plan to reduce the tariffs for Internet services, Communications Minister Ali Abbasov said on December 23.
"The tariffs for the Internet are not regulated by the state. However, its role in this issue is undeniable," he said.
"In general, the cost of the Internet in the country is being declined. Our plan on reducing this cost will soon be available. This will allow Internet service providers to make their services even more affordable for the end user," Abbasov said.
Abbasov also spoke about the incomes received from the Azerbaijani first satellite program.
The proceeds from Azerbaijan's first telecommunications satellite resources Azerspace -1 for the first six months of operation amounted to $10 million.
"This figure is being increased. Countries in North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe are interested in using the Azerbaijani satellite resources," he said.
Earlier in December Abbasov said necessary conditions will be created for Internet service providers to reduce the cost of access to the Internet for end users.
The Azerbaijan Tariff Council adopted a decision to reduce some telecommunication services' tariffs from January 1, 2014. This decision is expected to have an impact on the reduction of tariffs for Internet services.
About 40 internet providers are functioning in Azerbaijan at present. Some 70 percent of the population uses the Internet where 35 percent are the users of the broadband Internet services.
Azerbaijan currently leads the way among the Commonwealth of Independent States in terms of internet penetration among individual users, and in terms of broadband internet penetration among individual users.