June 28, 2005 - 11:35 AMT
INFRASTRUCTURE TO USE WiFi FORMED IN ARMENIA
The Armenian capital is almost totally covered by WiFi network for Internet access by low-power radio modems, Deputy Executive Director of Web provider company Suren Zaratsyan stated in a conversation with .am reporter. As of the current situation, the second city of Armenia - Gyumri, as well as Artashat, Charentsavan and Abovyan are also covered by wireless technologies. The Deputy Director remarked that the only obstacle for access to Internet via WiFi may be «barricades» like tall houses and relief. Direct vision of the access point is necessary for access, S. Zaratsyan explained. Earlier director of Arminco provider Andranik Aleksanyan reported that the company has placed some 50 points of wireless access in the territory of Yerevan that serve 500-600 users. The Director noted that the company keeps standard prices of Internet access for all connection types (except dial-up access) - 5 cents for 1 MB. Earlier it was necessary, firstly, to get a license for production of radio equipment, secondly, to receive authorization of use of radio spectrum for production of computers, and thirdly, to register each computer at the Technological Center CJSC of the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Armenia and have it certified by a special certifying body. Now the procedure is canceled and this will allow users of the technologies avoid «bustle and headache.» It should be also noted that for the use of the WiFi standard the 2.4 GHz radio frequency was legalized in Armenia this spring.