Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr S. Babayeva / A total of AZN 71.9mln of state funds was allotted in 2007 for the implementation of the 'Electron Azerbaijan' state program, the Deputy Minister for Communications
According to Mammadov, the funds will be used to establish an emergency service system for the Ministry of Emergency Situations (AZN 5.5mln) and the implementation of arrangements in the Ministry of Health (AZN 5mln).
Mammadov reported that before the state program, the number of mobile subscribers in Azerbaijan made up 1.7mln, with 20 telephones and 1.5 computers per every 100 people. After the completion of the program, the number of mobile subscribers has amounted to 3.3mln, with 45 telephones and 6 computers per every 100 people.
The number of internet users has increased dramatically and made up 900,000 (400,000 in 2005). There are over 30 internet provider companies ( 15 in 2005) and the number of broadband link subscribers comprises 12,000 ( 300 in 2005). The total amount of investments in the field of communications in Azerbaijan totalled AZN 211mln in 2006, with AZN 80mln invested by foreign companies. The communications sector share made up 1.8%.
The Ministry applied to the government to hasten the projects included in the state program, including the introduction of universal telecommunication and post services, the establishment of an innovative computer centre, the laying of the Caspian segment of the Trans Asia Europe cable, the establishment of an international IT university within the framework of the project to form a regional innovation system in the country.