New Sweetener for Iran’s National Information Network

EghtesadOnline: The Communication Regulatory Authority (CRA) has issued a mandate requiring Internet service providers to offer 50% discount to subscribers using the new domestic national network.

News ID: ۷۷۴۴۱۶

06 March 2017

Head of CRA, Ali Asghar Amidian said that the new mandate is enforceable by March 5, the local technology website zoomit.ir reported.

Amidian said that all Internet service providers — including mobile operators and ADSL service providers — are required to list all services and websites that are accessible through the National Information Network (NIN) and inform their subscribers.

The state-owned Telecommunication Infrastructure Company of Iran is set to decrease bandwidth tariffs for using the NIN. This is expected to make the new pricing system feasible for Internet service providers, according to Financial Tribune.

In case operators fail to comply, users can file complaints with the CRA. The national body offers an ombudsman-like service on its website, through which operators can check their Internet speed and connection quality.

By April further developments in operators' billing systems will be enforced.

NIN — established by the Telecoms Ministry — was launched in August 2016 as an alternative independent network with content compatible with Islamic values. The second phase of the project was unveiled on February 6. The national scheme is set to be finalized in the upcoming fiscal year that starts on March 21.