Free Wi-Fi in border villages

344 border villages in Armenia with up to 1000 residents have been enjoying free Wi-Fi since January 1, 2015.

The project is carried out by Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) with the support of the Armenian government and the World Bank.

EIF Director Bagrat Yengibaryan told Itel.am that the project mainly aims to expand Internet access in Armenian villages.

The operating range of the Wi-Fi devices is about 20 meters. Up to 25 people can connect to the same device at a time.

According to Bagrat Yengibaryan, studies have revealed a number of issues related to Internet access in border villages.

“Large-scale works aimed at shaping an electronic society have been carried out in Armenia. One of them is “Computer for All” project owing to which the number of computer users increased in regions. The next important issue was the growth of Internet users, and telecommunication operators made necessary investments to provide relevant mobile and cable network,” said Bagrat Yengibaryan.

According to him, the pilot project, which is currently underway in border villages, will let them understand the current issues and expand Internet access.

“Relevant speed at least makes communication on Skype and social networks accessible. If the pilot project is a success, we will make the network more powerful in the future and will open Internet clubs in villages. We cooperate with all operators,” he said.

The EIF Director also added that the technology transfer also assumes higher living conditions and decentralization of labor force.

“We are also trying to create more jobs for people to live and work in their locations. Computer and Internet-based work might also contribute to it,” stressed Bagrat Yengibaryan.

Narine Daneghyan