Iran Highlights Resilience of Digital Development Amid War and Sanctions

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Ministry of ICT, Dr. Seyed Sattar Hashemi delivered these remarks at the opening of the high-level session of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku. Highlighting Iran’s advances in information and communication technologies, he stressed that equal access to the digital space must be recognized as a fundamental human right. The theme of this year’s conference is “Global, meaningful and affordable connectivity for inclusive and sustainable development.”

Hashemi stated that Iran has significantly reduced the cost of high-usage mobile internet packages to 0.3% of GDP per capita, and fixed internet to 0.2%, placing the country among the most affordable in the world. He noted that Iran has removed one of the largest barriers to online access: high costs.

The minister added that Iran now has 166.3 mobile internet subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, with more than 92% coverage of 3G and 4G/LTE networks. Deployment of 5G networks has accelerated, with over 2,400 active sites nationwide.

Hashemi stressed that internet connectivity should not merely mean being online; it must enable meaningful benefits, creating opportunities for scientific, economic, and social development.

He pointed to Iran’s progress in narrowing the digital gap between urban and rural areas, noting that Iran ranks ninth globally in reducing the rural gap in digital payments. Financial technology and online services have become nearly equally accessible to citizens in both cities and villages.

Hashemi attributed these achievements to two major national programs. The first program, he said, is establishing a digital ecosystem for government services, which provides public services through a single platform supported by intelligent agents. These agents handle administrative processes on behalf of users, saving time, energy, and expenses while improving social fairness. “Sanctions”

The second program focuses on expanding the national fiber-optic network. Iran is transitioning from copper lines to fiber, extending high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses. More than 9 million households are now connected, achieving over 45% of projected national goals.

The minister noted that this expansion not only improves internet quality but also provides a stable foundation for future-focused technologies such as smart cities, distance learning, and digital healthcare. “Sanctions”

Hashemi emphasized that these accomplishments were secured under difficult conditions, including military strikes against civilian communication infrastructure, cyberattacks, and restrictions on advanced technology and financial networks during the recent 12-day conflict. He credited the resilience of Iran’s infrastructure and expertise of its workforce.

He said Iran is ready for win-win cooperation with all nations to advance inclusive digital development, aiming to increase the contribution of the digital economy to 10% of the national GDP.

Concluding his remarks, the minister highlighted the crucial role of international cooperation in achieving sustainable digital development. He asserted that the target of a 10% digital economy share cannot be met without global partnerships. The Islamic Republic of Iran, he said, welcomes engagement with other nations to foster synergy in building a digital future accessible to all.