Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 21 / Trend , S.Babayeva /
Broad-band Internet tariffs are average in Azerbaijan. But they should be lower given the country's business and economic development, IT Minister Ali Abbasov said.
"Thus, together with the Tariffs Council we decided to cut Internet costs in Azerbaijan," Abbasov said.
Based on the Tariffs Council's decision dated Dec. 30, 2008, tariffs on digital channels have been reduced.
As a result, the cost of a two-megabar/h intercity digital channel (port) for subscribers has been reduced from 1,200 to 600 manat (50 percent). The monthly payment was also reduced from 320 to 300 manat (6.3 percent). The cost of connection and monthly use for locations outside Baku was cut from 240 to 200 manat. The council also cut tariffs on using a two-megabar/h channel per every 50 kilometers from 180 to 150 manat (16.7 percent).
Several Internet providers discussed cutting the prices with the ministry. Their names were not revealed.
"This may have a negative impact on the activity of smaller providers," Abbasov said. "Unfortunately, there is no another way. Large providers must cut tariffs within 15 days under the agreement."
There are over 30 Internet providers in Azerbaijan. The number of Internet users exceeds one million people.
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