Satellite internet can become available in Armenia in 3-5 years: minister

YEREVAN, June 1. / ARKA /. Armenian transport and communications minister Manuk Vardanian said today it may take satellite Internet from 3 to 5 years to become available in Armenia.

According to him, Armenia is not using its two satellite Internet access points, however, is in talks on the subject with its partners.

"Access to the Internet via satellite is for future and we will definitely achieve it. We are discussing this issue with the Russian side along with a number of issues in the areas of security, television and communication equipment, but no specific arrangement has yet been reached," "Vardanian said.

He said Armenia is cooperating also with other countries and international organizations for establishing satellite Internet.

Presently Armenia’s access to Internet is ensured through cable lines via Georgia and Iran. Satellite Internet access was economically disadvantageous for a long time because of relatively high tariffs on licenses for use of radio frequencies. In 2008 the regulator simplified the procedure for licensing satellite operators as an alternative to ground-based optical communications, but the operators do not show activity in this direction.

Under the law the fee for the permission to use radio frequencies and an annual fee for operating a satellite station amount to 1 million and 400 thousand AMD respectively. ($1 – 376,1 drams).  -0-