Internet problems in Armenia challenge to foreign orders

YEREVAN, May 14. /ARKA/. Internet problems in Armenia are a challenge to the execution of foreign orders, Hovik Mousaelyan, CEO, Synopsys Armenia stated at the 5th congress of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen (Employers) of Armenia (UMBA).
 
He said that poor Internet access hinders the development of high technologies and attraction of direct foreign investments. “Internet is expensive and of poor quality in Armenia.

The prices have been reduced since monopoly was abolished and conditions for competition created through they remain higher than, for instance, in the USA,” Mousaelyan said. He pointed out that the Internet communication quality remains poor despite the fact that two Internet providers are operating in the country.

According to Mousaelyan, over the last month eight failures left IT companies without Internet access for almost 24 hours. The Government must make further efforts to resolve the problems, otherwise its statement on the priority of the IT sector will remain mere slogans, Mousaelyan said.

He also pointed out defective taxation of the IT sector, which is an obstacle to additional investments. Mousaelyan pointed out the necessity for the Government’s interference personnel training, as Armenia has an acute shortage of specialists.

“Infrastructure development, investments in the education sector and improved tax and customs administration may give impetus to IT development in Armenia,” Mousaelyan said.  –0--