(Part 24) Summary of the Most Significant Accomplishments of the Islamic Emirate (2022 – 2023) By: H.N Enhancing Telecommunication Services Telecommunications services constitute a pivotal element fostering the growth and diversification of commerce, industry, education, healthcare, agriculture, and various other sectors. It plays an instrumental role in establishing an informed society and fostering enhanced operational […]
(Part 24)
Summary of the Most Significant Accomplishments of the Islamic Emirate
(2022 – 2023)
By: H.N
Enhancing Telecommunication Services
Telecommunications services constitute a pivotal element fostering the growth and diversification of commerce, industry, education, healthcare, agriculture, and various other sectors. It plays an instrumental role in establishing an informed society and fostering enhanced operational coherence. With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, a notable infusion of approximately $88 million USD, equivalent to 7.3 billion Afghanis, has been directed towards telecommunications investments, heralding a significant advancement within Afghanistan’s telecommunications landscape.
These strategic investments have directly catalyzed employment opportunities for a collective cohort of 184,000 individuals, inclusive of 2,500 women, thereby bolstering the national workforce.
Over the preceding year, the Islamic Emirate has undertaken a series of pivotal initiatives aimed at fortifying the quality and accessibility of telecommunications services. The salient endeavors include:
A: Advancement in Information Technology Infrastructure
Recent endeavors have been directed towards the augmentation of information technology infrastructure, exemplified by:
1. The establishment of a cybercrime laboratory to address cyber-related challenges.
2. Implementation of robust monitoring and management systems safeguarding the integrity and security of data centers and governmental websites.
3. Procurement and installation of 140 SSL certificates for governmental websites and email platforms, heightening the security protocols of online resources.
Furthermore, over the past two years, a substantial investment of $8.9 million USD has been allocated towards expanding the fiber optic cable network, extending its reach to over 8,000 kilometers across the nation. This expansion has yielded a commendable revenue of $4.8 million USD during the aforementioned period. Moreover, developmental initiatives pertaining to fiber optic infrastructure have been greenlit across numerous provinces, including the central region, marking significant strides in this domain.
B: Innovation in Technology Development
Noteworthy innovations in technology development have transpired over the preceding year, encompassing:
1. Formulation of a comprehensive legal framework governing e-commerce operations within the country, facilitating streamlined procedural workflows.
2. Tailoring and implementation of e-commerce models in collaboration with pertinent governmental bodies and the private sector, disseminated nationwide.
3. Legalization of services and activities of the public and private sectors within the framework of the digital economy.
4. Promotion and development of the digital economy across all sectors.
5. Strategic planning and establishment of Local Content and Technologies (LCT) parks.
C: Amplification of Telecommunications Accessibility
With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, telecommunication services in the country have been standardized, leading to an unprecedented increase in people’s access to telecommunication services. As a result of service standardization and improved quality, the number of subscribers in the telecommunications market has increased.
During the previous administration, the number of active telecommunications market subscribers was 22.4 million, while under the Islamic Emirate, this figure has increased to 23.1 million.
Moreover, the number of 3G service subscribers has increased from 6.2 million to 6.4 million, 4G subscribers from 1.6 million to 3.5 million, and mobile internet subscribers from 11.2 million to 12 million.
D: Reduction in Internet and Telephony Tariffs
The Islamic Emirate has reduced the prices of internet usage and telephone call rates by setting telecommunication service tariff prices. According to assessments, fixed tariff rates have been set for internet and voice call prices for the first time, with the maximum voice call price between network subscribers set at 1.85 Afghanis per minute.
Previously, the maximum cost of voice calls for telecommunications companies was between 2.5 to 3.5 Afghanis per minute. Furthermore, the price of calls from one network to another has decreased from 4 Afghanis to a maximum of 2.2 Afghanis per minute. In addition, telecommunications companies have been obliged to bill voice calls based on 30-second intervals instead of 60 seconds.
Moreover, there has been a considerable reduction in internet service prices over the past year, with reductions ranging from 30% to 60% in most internet packages. Currently, the maximum monthly price for 1GB of internet for all telecommunications networks is set at 110 Afghanis, whereas before the Islamic Emirate, the price for 1GB of internet ranged from 250 to 300 Afghanis.
E: Widening Telecommunications Access to Remote Areas
The Islamic Emirate’s tenure has witnessed a concerted effort to extend telecommunications services to remote and deprived regions. Notably, over the past year, a total of 836 telecommunications sites have been established and activated in regions previously devoid of telecommunications infrastructure or afflicted by subpar service quality. This strategic intervention has empowered approximately 8 million individuals to access telecommunications services, thereby fostering inclusivity and connectivity across disparate locales.
Continued…
Reference: IEA’s Accomplishments
دیدگاه بسته شده است.