People not satisfied with telecom services: Ghani

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: President Ashraf Ghani has stressed the need for improved quality and reduced rates of the internet, saying people were not satisfied with telecom services.

The presidential remarks came at a meeting with provincial IT directors and Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) officials at his office on Wednesday afternoon.

Communications and IT Minister Shahzad Gul Aryubi prayed for the victims of Intercontinental Hotel attack before presenting a report on the three-day conference of provincial IT directors.

A statement from the Presidential Palace said Aryubi appreciated the president’s support for the telecom sector. He said the conference discussed plans and problems of the sector.

Fundamental plans to reduce internet prices, creation of more post offices, electronic governance, prevention of illegal use of SIM cards and training programmes to improving the sector are salient features of report.

Ghani appreciated the bravery of Afghan forces in beating terrorist groups and controlling attacks. “Our determination is strong, because right always prevails over wrong. The enemy will lose this imposed war.”

He stressed the elimination of violence, saying Afghanistan’s enemies had been isolated and should understand they could not impede the country’s development.

He called the IT conference important for exchanging experiences and improving the sector. He also appreciated central and provincial officials for their efforts to strengthen the sector.

“Technology is expanding with each passing day. It is significantly changing people’s lives, but the Afghans are still not satisfied with telecom services and internet prices,” he said.

Ghani also called for improving postal services and said experiences of other countries should be utilised.

He directed communications and IT officials to work jointly with provincial authorities to improve this sector and share their plans with the Presidential Place.