Meanwhile, the Armenian government has threefold reduced the financing of DigiTec Expo 2010. As the head of the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) Karen Vardanyan told a news conference in Yerevan, the government allocated AMD 10 million for the exhibition. “Financing for the development of high technologies was cut down to AMD 80 million against previously allocated AMD 200 million.

First commercial inquiry center was established in Armenia in the framework of partnership between ArmenTel (Beeline trademark) and Spyur information center. The center, working 24/7, will provide multi-profile information on companies registered in Armenia and NKR. The database lists over 100 000 legal persons and services offered.

A computer class equipped with 20 modern PCs was opened in No56 Stepan Zoryan school in Yerevan. The funding for the equipment of a new class was provided by Hayastan All Armenian Fund in Syria. “The gift from the Armenian community of Syria is a proof of inseparable ties between the two countries,” Armenian Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan stated. Besides, the school was gifted a TV set, projector and DVD player.

VivaCell-MTS is planning to launch Long Term Evolution (LTE) next generation mobile wireless broadband technology in Armenia. As company CEO Ralph Yirikian told a news conference in Yerevan, current 3G network coverage provided by VivaCell-MTS is 92%.

Mr. Dirk Boberg, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Armenia, Lieutenant General Alik Sargsyan, RA Chief of Police and Mr. Carel Hofstra, Acting Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan opened a Computer-based Training Center at the Police Academy of Armenia. The establishment of the Center was initiated in the framework of UNDP “Anti-Trafficking Program: Capacity Developing Support and Victims Assistance” project and is aimed at assisting the senior management of the RA Police Academy to further improve the quality of training processes and introducing modern technologies to counter organized crime and other criminal activities. “The database will be completed in the first quarter of 2011,” Armenian Police Chief, Lieutenant General Alik Sargsyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. “Police officers in any region of Armenia will have online access to information in Yerevan Police center. The information required will be available in a matter of minutes,” he said.

Manuk Hergnyan, the Chairman of Economy and Values Armenian Research Center, a partner of World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Network, said that Armenia is behind many countries in terms of connection to broadband Internet. “Internet development in Armenia is evident, however, the world is developing at much more quickly,” Hergnyan stated. According to 2010-2011 Global Competitiveness Report, 8-point drop was recorded in innovation index of Armenia as compared with 2009.

MARANI (Market of Animation) business forum on animation and information technologies kicked off in Yerevan, bringing together both local and foreign companies engaged in animation, information technologies, interactive games and computer software. Director of the business forum Hayk Asriyants said that about 23 companies from Armenia, the U.S., France, Germany, Brazil, Argentina and other countries participate in the event.