Iran’s minister of ICT touts progress in plans to develop digital economy

Iran has reiterated its resolve to focus on digital development despite war and sanctions from the West. Seyed Sattar Hashemi, Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), delivered the remarks at the opening ceremony of the high-level session of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku.

Discussing Iran’s advances in information and communication technologies, Hashemi stressed that equal access to the digital space must be recognized as a fundamental human right.

The theme of WTDC-25 is “Global, meaningful and affordable connectivity for inclusive and sustainable development.” Hashemi mentioned that Iran has significantly reduced the cost of high-usage mobile internet packages to 0.3% of GDP per capita, and fixed internet to 0.2%, placing the country in the list of nations with the most affordable digital service.

Iran commits to digital development amid war and sanctions

According to Hashemi, Iran has removed one of the largest barriers to online access, which is its high costs. The minister added that Iran now has about 166.3 mobile internet subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, with more than 92% coverage of 3G and 4G/LTE networks. He also added that deployment of 5G networks has also increased, noting that it has reached about 2,400 active sites nationwide.

Hashemi stressed that internet connectivity should not just be about being online; it should be about enabling meaningful benefits, creating opportunities for scientific, economic, and social development. He also highlighted Iran’s progress in reducing the digital gap between urban and rural areas, noting that the country ranks ninth globally in reducing the rural gap in digital payments. Financial technology and online services have also become available to residents of both locations.

The minister attributed these achievements to two major national programs. The first, he said, was establishing a digital ecosystem for government services. This ecosystem provides public services through a single platform supported by intelligent agents. These agents handle administrative processes on behalf of users, saving time, energy, and expenses while improving social fairness.

The second program focuses on improving and expanding the national fiber-optic network. The country is trying to transition from copper lines to fiber, extending high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses. The program has achieved about 45% of its national goals, ensuring that more than nine million households have been connected. The minister noted that the expansion improves internet quality and also provides a stable foundation for future-focused technologies.

Hashemi highlights the need for global digital cooperation

Hashemi highlighted that these accomplishments were carried out under very difficult conditions, noting the military strikes against civilian communication infrastructure, cyberattacks, and restrictions on advanced technology and financial networks during the recent conflicts that lasted for 12 days. He gave credit to the country and its workforce for being resilient and showing their expertise during the tough periods.

The minister added that Iran is ready for a win-win cooperation with willing nations to advance inclusive digital development, aiming to increase the contribution of the digital economy to 10% of the national GDP.

In his final remarks, the minister highlighted the role of international cooperation in achieving sustainable digital development. He noted that the target of a 10% digital economy share cannot be met without the right global partnerships.

Hashemi stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes engagement with other nations to foster a synergy in building a digital future accessible to all. Meanwhile, Iran is not the only country banking on its digital economy.

Oman recently announced its intention to improve its digital economy so that it can boost its GDP by 10%. The country said it will build its National Digital Economy Programme, which is expected to focus on three pillars.

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