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Azeri IT Ministry explains high prices for Internet

ICT Materials 10 January 2009 11:35 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 10 / Trend , S.Babayeva/

The Azerbaijani Communication and IT Ministry recently explained the country's costly Internet prices compared to developed nations. The reasons are straightforward, the ministry said.

First and foremost, the number of Internet users in Azerbaijan has only risen in recent years, the ministry said. The growth has only positively impacted the cost of Internet services as of late.

Second, the tariffs for accessing international Internet channels are a major reason for the high prices, the ministry added. Azerbaijan is located far from key international cables and has thus opted to connected to the Russian optical system. Leasing these cables is costly, and makes Azerbaijan's international Internet traffic more expensive than in nations with favorable geographical locations, like Russia or Turkey.

Third, the number of computers in Azerbaijan is relatively low, which affects prices and the number of computer users. A state-wide project will be implemented soon to offer loans to the public to purchase computers. Computer owners will also be able to attend free computer classes as part of the project.

Fourth, Internet is only delivered to Azerbaijan through a single company, which prevents price cuts. Several additional companies are currently planning to enter the market in Azerbaijan.

According to the ministry's data, the number of Internet users in Azerbaijan increased three or four times in recent years, reaching 1.5 million people. There are 30 Internet providers in Azerbaijan.

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