이란의 전 정보통신부 장관이었고 현재는 대통령 직속 IT 보좌관으로 있는 나스롤라 자헌갸르드씨가 기자와 가진 인터뷰를 소개한다. 이란의 IT정책과 방향에 대해서 조금은 알 수 있는 글이다.
IT Network Connection Established
IRAN International
July 2003, No. 24
Pages: 112 - 115
Word Count: 1757
Text: The bonds that appeared between the three realms of telecommunications, computers and information in the late 1980’s resulted in instant worldwide access to information. This phenomenon has since been defined as “Information & Communication Technology”-or simply ICT.
In an interview with Nasrollah Jahangard, the former Deputy Minister of Post, Telegraph & Telephone for Development & Planning, who recently resigned, and Presidential Advisor on IT he touches on the status of IT in Iran and introduces the Takfar Project as a comprehensive system which all executive and economic sectors can use to renovate their services. The private sector has had an impressive presence in this project such that 500 informatics companies have formed a guild and have entered the market.
Specialists of communication sciences refer to free circulation of information as one of the principles of democracy. On the other hand, some experts believe that the free circulation of information in Iran is distorted regularly. How do you assess our status in this regard?
Under the present circumstances, the free circulation of information has entered a new and different phase. In the past, exchange of information in the social, political and economic environments took place via publications and books. However, at the moment due to the development of communication tools, their cheapness and ease of people’s access to these tools, the domain of Information exchange has expanded and a multi-dimensional environment has been established. In fact we are now facing a `network community’.
Therefore, when we speak of restrictions in the current circumstances it is a concept totally different from the past. In the past, restrictions took place with the application of simple and vivid tools and methods; but at the moment the best method of restriction is information bombardment. In this method, experts do not prevent the supply of information; rather they provide a huge volume of similar information. In this manner the user becomes confused and doubtful in selecting the real and accurate information. However, the authorities in traditional communities still believe that they must react toward information technology in a traditional manner. They do not know that you cannot achieve your objectives by preventing the production and access to information. This methodology was our topic of discussion. But I think that the conditions we are facing are completely appropriate, although they could be improved. What is important is that we are moving forward.
Are the majority of these challenges caused by inadequate infrastructure or the viewpoint of the authorities?
It covers both realms. A part of it is related to the development of infrastructure networks, which is natural. We will grow in proportion to our investments. Although the average investment in this realm has been appropriate but we are still suffering from insufficient investment and growth, in relation to the demand market.
Another part of the challenge is related to the method of management of information environment and exchange of information. It can be said that there are managerial and executive weaknesses in this regard. Meanwhile, the political and executive resolve in regard to the distribution of information and its development is one of the other challenges. However none of these challenges have limited our growth or slowed our pace.
In regard to those parts of our challenges that are rooted in political and executive resolve, it can be said that some of the authorities are worried that Internet users can gain access to information at a swift pace. How have you come to terms with these concerns?
I have not actually and officially come across this interpretation. In fact no decisions have been made in the country that would oppose high-capacity communications. It is possible that someone would have talked about this in a gathering. But I have not really come across such a thing.
In what stage is the Takfar Project that has started with the President’s support and under your supervision?
This project has been executed in the country for the first time. It is a comprehensive system for all of the executive and economic sectors, so that with the application of information technologies they would be able to renew their services. This project was announced to us last year, and we exchanged a related Letter of Agreement with the executive departments within six months. Usually, construction projects are really slow in the first year. However, with the allocation of credits we can say that we are at the stage of economic and social development in the country.
The outcome of this project in the social scene is the fulfillment of welfare and provision of improved services. In the economic sector we will also witness the occupation of intellectual and entrepreneur forces in the country. We imagine that Takfar would be highly effective in creation and production of wealth.
To what extent will the private sector be considered as a viable partner in this project?
We reiterate that the success of the Takfar Project is dependent upon the mobilization of the private sector. In this project, the government is the employer. Even the government’s approved regulations note that the main contracts should be forged in the presence of the private sector. In fact, the presence of the private sector is for decreasing the executive costs of the government and preventing the expansion of the governmental structure.
The private sector has had an eye-catching presence in this project such that 500 of the informatics companies have formed a guild and have entered the labor market. As long as governmental authorities treat this sector appropriately, the working atmosphere in this sector will be highly promising.
What is our status in regard to IT, in comparison to other countries in the region?
Comparative assessment should be made in the framework of several indices. In regard to gaining access to information networks 20 out of 100 people own telephones in Iran. However the international average is less than 18 and we are ranked 5th in Asia in regards to having telephone access.
You talk about supporting the private sector, while some of the Internet services providers (ISPs) were closed on the order of your colleagues. Isn’t this a contradiction in behavior?
There are several private sector groups that are active in the field of IT. First, there are the people who supply the computer and network equipment, who are not restricted by any limitations. In fact, they are free to buy and sell any equipment. Secondly, there are the production and designing companies, who do not experience any limitations either. The third group is the service companies, which include ISPs. Last year, a technical incident led to the provision of international telephone services by the ISPs, which was the source of disagreement between the telecommunication companies and ISPs.
Due to the huge difference in official government pricing and the supply of services from the private sector, this subject expanded. It was economical for many companies to install satellite aerials at a high cost so that they would sell international Internet telephone cards. The Telecommunications Department confronted this act and defended the rights of international telecommunications.
There was also no difference of opinion in regard to using the Internet. The solution was an economic one that was made with delay. Now the highest price of international telephone calls from Iran is 1500 rials per minute. Meanwhile, many of the ISPs will not bother to violate the law in this field. Therefore the problem is solved.
What about the equipment? ISPs believe that you want to sell them expensive equipment.
No. The Telecommunications Company does not dominate the equipment market. It does not sell and transfer equipment to any of the ISPs.
You said that the development of Takfar project is appropriate. But now that Iran has not joined the Copy Right Law, how can you use the software that is designed?
The law has been approved nationally, but it lacks an executive bylaw. Therefore the companies that design and produces strong software would lose, because their software can be copied and duplicated. However, in the international scene we have yet to establish a legal link for maintaining intellectual property. Therefore, valuable international products are rarely distributed in Iran by their genuine agents or outlets.
If this software is designed and prepared by foreign countries, wouldn’t this be a threat to the system’s security?
The world of software is full of varieties. In the topic of security for the network, which is a key and critical subject, the method of assessment is different. In fact, buying or not buying is not the determining factor in this case. The topic of security has many dimensions. First, it concerns the physical security of the signal. Electronic signals should move back and forth properly. This is the duty of the telecommunications companies. The second issue is security for the content of the messages. The message should not be sabotaged on its way and the transfer must take place in a healthy manner. Thirdly, changing the information should be controlled. At this instance we enter the banking, administration, medical and political systems.
Will the Takfar project’s benefits outweigh its costs?
The cost of the Takfar project is very low. In fact, all of the credits allocated to different construction projects have development and entrepreneur dimensions. The other point is that the only solution for our economy is reference to the realm of technology. We have to compensate for lost opportunities, by applying technology utilizing it for our development. Finally, any new phenomenon has its threats and benefits. The main issue of concern in the strategic management of the coui is the trend of management this phenomenon.
But there might be differences of opinion in defining the threats and opportunities?
There might be differences of opinion among different nations. Whenever technology enters a region, it leads to cult and ideological development especially in communications. The locations that are active against this change and development maintain security borders in a better way.
But does the strategic management compound of our country have such ability?
The only solution is to create a national understanding production of science, information and culture.
It seems that there are special individuals and organizations claiming to recognize these opportunities and threats?
The fact that IT covers all social, economic and cultural aspects has led to a sense of ownership by everyone. We have to make it clear that there are duties for all individuals; and surely we will witness differences of taste.