TeleGeography, DC
March 8 2007

Government to slash internet fees

The government of Armenia yesterday approved a dramatic cut in the
state duties levied on companies providing web access services in a
bid to boost internet uptake. Under local telecoms laws, Armenian
ISPs are required to pay standard taxes plus an annual fixed fee for
using the PSTN of state-run PTO ArmenTel. Smaller service providers
have long argued that the annual fee of up to USD8,500 is prohibitive
and is stilting competition in the market. In response to the
complaints the government proposes a drastic reduction in the fee
through a change to the current legislation.