The telecommunications sector has evolved far beyond its traditional role of providing basic connectivity. It is now a multi-layered platform delivering a wide range of digital services and acting as a crucial driver in extending the benefits of the digital economy to society.
This transformation was highlighted by Kristina Hakobyan, Board Vice Chair of the “Internet Society” NGO during “Telecom Week 2026,” a four-day event that began on March 23 in Yerevan. She moderated a panel discussion titled “From Connectivity to Digital Services: The New Role of Operators.”
The discussion brought together key stakeholders, including Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry Ruben Simonyan, Viva Armenia General Director Armen Avetisyan, Board Chair of the Internet Society NGO Igor Mkrtumyan, F-Net Telecom CEO Gevorg Yengibaryan, and Aynet Director Davit Abrahamyan.
Panelists underscored the importance of enhancing customer experience, ensuring a secure digital environment and accelerating the adoption of 5G, IoT and smart technologies as part of the sector’s ongoing development. They also emphasized the need for stronger, more coordinated collaboration among industry players, along with clearer investment priorities.
“The most effective path forward lies in purposeful cooperation between the private sector, government, civil society and academia,” said Igor Mkrtumyan – the Board Chair of the Internet Society NGO. “Proactive engagement from public institutions would be particularly valuable.”
He further stressed the importance of government support at least in part in expanding high-speed internet access to regional educational and cultural institutions, especially schools and libraries.
Deputy Minister Simonyan noted that a program is being planned to provide dozens of regional schools with high-speed internet access in the near future.
