The Syrian Minister of Communications and Technology, Abdel Salam Heikal, announced the launch of the Fifth Generation (Generation 5) experience in the capital, Damascus, noting that it represents a first step that reflects the features of “New Syria” and confirms the ministry’s keenness to accelerate the pace of achievement to provide what citizens deserve, and contribute to supporting the renaissance of the country.
In a statement, the minister said: “We thank our partners at MTN and Syriatel for their intensive efforts during the past days, and we also thank the Communications and Postal Authority for its cooperation.”
New economic offers: targeting low -income people
In a move aimed at alleviating the burdens of living, the communications company, “Cyretel” and MTN, announced the reduction of packages of packages and offers allocated to subscribers with limited consumption, by providing economic packages that respond to the needs of different segments of society.
Tariq Zaboub, Director of the Marketing and Products Unit at Syriatel, stressed that these packages target various segments of citizens, noting the allocation of the symbol (#999*) to benefit from the “Mix Plus” package through the “closer to you” application.
He added that the company is working in coordination with the Ministry of Communications to provide special packages for public sector employees, members of the armed forces, internal security forces, and students, noting that the new offers include minutes of communication, internet and messages, in addition to the size of a night internet available from one o’clock after midnight until nine in the morning, with the aim of providing solutions to consumers.
“Ugarit 2” project .. a strategic vision for digital transformation
In a special interview with “Al -Jazeera Net”, the Executive Director of the Syrian Telecom Company, Ghassan Okasha, revealed the strategic vision of the Syrian government in developing the telecommunications sector, stressing that the “Ugarit 2” project is a central axis in this vision, which aims to enhance digital infrastructure and push the path of digital transformation in various sectors of the state.
Okasha explained that the company conducted a comprehensive study of the volume of increased demand for data transfer capacities, locally and internationally, in light of the great expansion of the use of digital applications, in line with the government trend towards automating services, and the rehabilitation of the affected areas to motivate the population to return.
Based on the results of this study, the books of technical conditions for updating and expanding digital infrastructure, including digital transport networks and data exchange networks, were prepared at the internal and international levels, in preparation for launching projects aimed at raising digital capacities to the level of multiple calamity.
International linking .. boosting capacity across sea
The “Ugarit 2” project comes within this trend, as it includes strengthening international maritime connection with Cyprus Island to 6.5 Terpests per second, in addition to extending a new maritime cable that represents a technical alternative to the current cable, which is close to the end of its artistic life.
Okasha stressed that this project has positive repercussions expected on the national economy and digital services, noting that the Syrian government puts at the forefront of its priorities to enhance the efficiency of the national economy and achieve what it described as “digital luxury”.
He indicated that this requires updating the existing infrastructure, which has become relatively old, and expanding network capacities in response to the increasing demand for data services.
Cyber security .. priority in digital expansion
In a related context, Okasha stressed the importance of cybersecurity, pointing out that the data exchange network is protected by advanced safety systems, and that the expected expansions will include a comprehensive update of these systems, to ensure their steadfastness in the face of cyber threats.
He explained that the clip related to the international connection in the “Ugarit 2” project will be subject to strict security measures that are compatible with government policies, without affecting the safety of the internal network.
He pointed out that there are clear plans to expand networks within rural and internal areas, where the necessary conditions books have already been prepared for that, in addition to projects to deploy optical fiber networks (fiber to home) in partnership with the private sector, with the aim of providing high -speed internet services to the largest possible number of citizens, especially in areas that have suffered from weak infrastructure during the past years.
Internet service outside government control
On the other hand, Dirar Al -Yasser, the owner of a telecommunications company and the Internet, told Al -Jazeera Net that the Internet services in northern Syria exceeded dozens of times for their counterparts in the areas under the control of the Syrian government previously, due to the adoption of the Internet there on direct Turkish sources, in addition to extending light cables and building modern towers.
Al -Yasser explained that there is a plan to transfer these services to major cities such as Damascus and Aleppo, where companies specialized in distributing Internet services seek to open positions in these cities to provide the service to the population, but he pointed out that this step requires government support to rehabilitate the communications infrastructure.
“MTN” company .. reduced and priority bouquets for the weak subscribers
In statements reported by the Syrian News Agency “SANA”, the media office of MTN reported that the company made significant discounts on its packages to subscribers, ranging between 100% and 200%. It also announced new offers that include discounts starting from 30% on the previous packages, in a move targeting those with limited consumption, through the service code (*2025#).
The office indicated that these offers include free night bouquets of large sizes, and are available at low prices that suit different social segments. Text messages will also be sent to subscribers to the media with new offers, with the ability to view them daily through the designated code.
The office also confirmed that the company is preparing to launch special packages for public sector employees, security forces and the Syrian army, in addition to bouquets directed to students.
Special advantages for journalists and future projects
In the same context, Mohamed Atassi, an employee of MTN, said that the past three months have witnessed a remarkable improvement in Internet and call services, noting the launch of offers for journalists that include providing fast internet at reasonable prices and good quality, to support them in raising the required media materials.
In his speech to Al -Jazeera Net, he added that the ministry is preparing for large projects, especially after the cancellation of the company, “Syria von”, which was operating in northern Syria and integrating it into the “MTN” network, while providing free segments for users.
It is noteworthy that the Internet services in the areas that were under the control of the Syrian government are among the worst globally, as a result of the decline in investment in this sector, the absence of development, and international sanctions that prevented the provision of high capacities and stable communication quality.
