Table of contents introduction

4.2. Future Targets

Long-term vision for the information and communication technology sector until 2025 Development of the country by continuing innovation-oriented reforms in this sector, increasing the range and volume of modern services, expanding the coverage of high-speed broadband network, ensuring the application of standards meeting important international requirements in the telecommunications sector , to increase the level of technical literacy of the society and the formation of the digital economy.

As part of this goal, Azerbaijan will support the introduction of mechanisms to build a strong infrastructure by 2025. In Azerbaijan, where the fiber-optic network infrastructure is already being implemented nationwide, measures will be taken to ensure that the wider population has access to high-speed broadband networks. Investments in the fiber-optic network will be steadily increased, both at the general infrastructure level and at the "last mile" level. In this way, the provision of optical format (FTT-X) broadband services to residential areas in densely populated areas of the country, as well as the coverage of services in settlements and sparsely populated areas will be expanded.

As with access to fixed broadband, access to mobile broadband will be facilitated, and access to fast mobile services will be provided in both urban and remote areas. Wireless communications companies will consider allocating a lower-band spectrum (for example, 700 and 800 MHz bands) with a wider coverage for mobile broadband network technologies. In this case, given that the spectrum is a limited resource, wireless companies will be able to use the existing spectrum more efficiently. Under the terms of the license, mechanisms will be stimulated to optimize the use of existing spectra by such wireless companies, without interfering with the frequency spectra of other operators. The government's non-technological spectrum distribution will also facilitate these initiatives of companies.

In addition to infrastructure improvements at the local level in terms of quality and coverage, Azerbaijan will have a stronger international communications network by 2025 - a wider international gateway controlled by more international operators. In this way, the quality and stability of the country's international communications will be ensured without the risk of interruption.

It is planned to expand the scope of technological services offered in Azerbaijan by ICT infrastructure by 2025. For this purpose, the application of this service to other areas will be provided using the electronic signature potential of "ASAN service" centers. Measures will be taken to bring legislation and regulations in the field of financial services in line with best international practices, which will further accelerate the development of electronic payment systems and mobile banking, and create conditions for wider use of these services. These include the sustainable development of fast and contactless payment infrastructure that will support the development of the banking sector. In addition, by 2025, most of the document flow and administrative processes in Azerbaijan (for example, government documents, public services) will be carried out electronically, which will further improve the favorable business environment in the country by ensuring the automation and efficiency of such operations. .

Along with the general increase in the level of technological services offered, attention will be paid to e-health services, and both the scope and application of these services will be expanded. Activities in this area will improve the quality and speed of operations, covering all participants in the value chain. In order to eliminate unnecessary and re-examination and treatment cases, patients will be provided with medical records and these sheets will be exchanged between medical institutions. As a result of the creation of such a technology-based health infrastructure, Azerbaijan's digital health services will rapidly become a leading regional practice.

In the process of this technology-based development, the sector standards in Azerbaijan will be improved and conditions will be created to attract large investments in the telecommunications industry, while maintaining a more coordinating function of the state. Until then, the competitive environment and the level of public participation in the country's telecommunications sector will be further increased, and these goals will be supported by an improved regulatory framework. Increasing the integration of information services into key sectors and creating a favorable environment for optimized operations will increase the interest of both local and foreign investors in Azerbaijan. It is planned to continue this development process in Azerbaijan after 2025. In order to ensure the implementation of the target vision for the digital economy in the long run, the level of innovation-oriented technological literacy will be increased, and special attention will be paid to the training of talented students in vocational education institutions and universities. In order to increase technological literacy and develop innovative thinking, programming lessons will be included in the curricula of universities and relevant vocational schools.

The emergence of an information society will set additional innovative goals. The creation of clusters and high-tech parks will be considered to stimulate the development of startups and innovative enterprises. Relevant investments from the state and other stakeholders will play a key supporting role in this work. Such parks and innovation centers will be implemented in a wider area (regions) to attract more startups that promote innovation. This approach will allow the enterprises in these parks to be the main driving force for Azerbaijan's transition to the digital economy. The information society will also be encouraged and instructed to use e-services more through the implementation of relevant plans. Thus, the development of the general business environment will be achieved as a result of technological literacy, growth in the application of high-tech tools and access to a quality broadband network.

Target vision for the information and communication sector after 2025 To become a leader in the region in the long run in the field of ICT, ICT industry with strong potential, to create a telecommunications infrastructure to meet the growing needs of society, to increase the coverage of fixed and mobile broadband to 95%; to create conditions for further development of technology-oriented structuring in the education system, including the digital economy, banking, finance, education, medicine, etc. in the country. to stimulate growth in the social sphere and to achieve the wider application of e-services.

To achieve this goal, the country aims to build a high-quality broadband network infrastructure with strong coverage and high speed. On the basis of this infrastructure, the development of innovative behaviors will be ensured in the country's education system through technology-oriented programs. Highly technologically literate graduates and investment flows will be strong providers of e-services in Azerbaijan that will promote improvement and development in key service sectors such as finance, health and education. In the long run, the country aims to create a strong telecommunications infrastructure that provides access to a quality broadband network, especially to increase the coverage of the broadband network to 95 percent through fixed and mobile broadband network technologies. Both the further improvement of the infrastructure to expand the coverage of the fiber-optic network and the efficient use of the frequency spectrum for the coverage of the wireless network will allow achieving this goal. Given the growing level of use of data traffic, investments will be planned accordingly in order to ensure this growth on the basis of the necessary potential and speed.

Building a technology infrastructure that covers both fixed and wireless broadband will reduce dependence and imports from products produced in other countries. At the same time, given the rapid emergence of new technologies on a global scale, equipment will need to be constantly updated and improved, which in turn can create new import trends. Therefore, in order to reduce the inflow of foreign currency from the country in the long run, it is planned to increase domestic production of key technology products. Requirements for national infrastructure content will also be identified to ensure the development of such sectors. As a result of the measures to be taken, the aim is to reduce the cost of improving the network and increase the added value created in the country's economy, which also aims to prioritize the domestic production of a number of sensitive equipment in the country due to information security.

After 2025, the integration of advanced digital application programs into everyday life will be expanded in Azerbaijan. At a time when most government documents and processes are being digitized, the transition to paperless documentation will be encouraged in the long run. This target involves a digital banking system where transactions are paperless and e-services are widespread. Azerbaijan plans to create a fully digital banking experience where various stakeholders interact, including banks, digital payment systems, mobile wallets, online shopping platforms and even social networks. A strong banking and communication infrastructure will strengthen e-commerce opportunities in a variety of areas, from retail to services. Also, on the basis of e-health services established so far, all processes in the country's health sector will be digitized, and the database of patients' medical records will be expanded.