Minister of Communications: "In 2012, the year in ICT invested more than $ 400 million"

The revenue of the ICT sector in 2012 increased as compared to 2011 by 18%, which is 2.5 times higher than the world average - said the Minister of Communications and Information Technologies Ali Abbasov Cabinet Ministers dedicated to the socio-economic development in 2012 and the challenges ahead in 2013.

According to him, the information and communication technologies for the year was invested more than $ 400 million is contributed to the increase in penetration of fixed-line population by 18.6%, increase in the number of mobile phone users on the platform up to 2 million 3G subscribers.

For every 100 people in the country is 110 mobile phones. Internet users reach 70%, of which 30% - broadband Internet. With tariffs on these Internet services decreased by 35%, the yield on foreign resources increased by 2.2 times. Cost of service 1Mbit / s to 3% of the average wage, while in developing countries the figure - 20%.

For every 100 to 110 people have mobile phones. Most of them use the latest technologies including high-speed Internet.

Under the "Fiber to every home", developed jointly with the ministry of SOFAR, a Republican network of broadband Internet, which in 2013 will be invested 103 million manat. By 2017 the percentage of users of the service will reach 85, as in most developed countries, with 30-35% of the total invested in the implementation of this model will be earned through reinvestment.

Last year, Azerbaijan became the 37th in the world and 9th in Europe state that have deployed mobile fourth generation. In addition, 90% of the population has access to digital television broadcasting, pioneered here in the South Caucasus region, Central and Middle Asia. In Azerbaijan, there are 25 channels, 11 of which are national, others - regional, 12 cable TV channels, more than 20 studios Internet TV, 15 radio stations. With the approval of the National Council of Radio and Television created a system of centralized admission licensed over 100 foreign TV and radio channels.

The minister also said that the portal of "electronic government" (e-government) is connected 40 state agencies that have 158 out of 417 species provided electronic services, which in the presence of an electronic signature is used by more than 5.5 thousand officials and citizens.

Referring to the launch of the first telecommunications satellite of Azerbaijan AzerSpace weighing 3.2 tons, the minister said that after the launch into Earth orbit 20% of its capacity to satisfy the needs of the country, while the remaining 80 will be put on the world market for services orbit coupling. Solved, and human resources - 30 managers aged 25-28 years have passed special long-term courses and training centers in the U.S., France and Malaysia.

According to the Minister, at the 67th session of the UN General Assembly in December 2012 they adopted the second special resolution on the construction of Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM).

As the most impressive achievement, the minister referred to the international conference and exhibition BakuTel held last November, and at the same time the World Internet Governance Forum under the auspices of the UN, in which were directly involved 1600 foreign citizens and 1200 citizens of Azerbaijan. In addition, 3,800 people participated in the Forum via video.

"In line with the Azerbaijan 2020: A Look into the Future concept, the annual growth of ICT will be maintained at the level of 18-20%, which will by this time bring the annual profit of the sector to $ 8-9 billion," said Abbasov. -17B-