Turkmenistan sees Internet user numbers increase 1.2 times in last three months

Thanks to the fast-paced comprehensive modernization and diversification of the communications system, the use of state-of-the-art equipment and introduction of innovations in the field, Turkmenistan boasts an extensive telecommunications network that enables every citizen to get Internet access.

According to the Ministry of Communications, the number of web users has been steadily rising in the country. In the period from October 5 to December 31, 2017, the figure increased 1.2 times; revenues from network services grew 2 million manats. This was achieved through positive marketing efforts of national Internet service providers and an average 35-percent reduction in prices.

To improve Internet services in Turkmenistan, massive efforts are being made to build related infrastructure. Specialists in the sector are implementing large-scale projects, aimed to create a comprehensive hi-tech communications system, enhance the quality and expand the range of communications services, and offer Internet access to people in the most remote parts of the country.

Fiber-optic cables will be laid countrywide to provide high-quality telecommunications services, and to increase transmission speed. The project is designed to significantly upgrade data exchange between agencies and departments, and to launch new electronic services.

Currently, Ashgabat’s network system is capable of transmitting data at a rate of up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps) on average. In the short term, the rate is expected to increase fivefold – up to 100 Gbps; the expected network performance in regional administrative centers will be approximately 40 Gbps, in etrap centers – up to 10 Gbps; between etrap centers and daikhan associations – up to 4 Gbts.

To respond to the ever-increasing demand, Altyn Asyr, the national cellular operator, seeks to supply full network coverage and render basic mobile services countrywide, including 3G and 4G services (with the launch of 5G services in the near future). Once implemented, the project will ensure 100 percent nationwide mobile network coverage.

Active steps have been also taken to launch online and mobile banking to make non-cash payments in the country and beyond, while simplifying banking services and making them safe.

In line with ongoing global trends, the number of education institutions with improved Internet access is ever-increasing in our country. The use of computers and multimedia technologies enable to adopt novel teaching and learning methods; Internet access opens up ample possibilities to design the educational process and train specialists on a level with international standards.

In September 2017, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov approved the Conception of Digital Education System in Turkmenistan, which envisages the construction of a Center for Innovative Information. The Center specialists will have to develop efficient electronic teaching & learning methods, including digital textbooks, educational books, video and audio materials, interactive and multimedia programs, and others. The information market will become one of the main sectors of Turkmenistan’s economy and will make a considerable impact on growth of other sectors, and macroeconomic processes on the whole.