Update April 2000: Albania

1. Introduction

During the past three months, IS activities mainly focus on issues related to the privatisation of AMC and new projects regarding increasing access to the Internet by particular groups and by the general public.

2. National/local strategies of the Information Society and its action plans

2.1. Investment in telecommunications field

On February 18, Alcatel has signed a contract to add 5000 phone numbers, with 2000 allocated to the Delvine district and 3000 to the Saranda and Pogradec districts. Installation will start in March. This project aims to improve the existing network by replacing the existing depreciated technology with a new contemporary technology that enables access to the Internet.

To facilitate data communication, ISDN lines will soon be installed. It has been speculated that installation will be completed by August.

A development fund for Albtelekomin (worth of US$3 million) is currently being considered.

2.2. Establishment of a training center for librarians.

On February 29, the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the SOROS Foundation, established a training center for librarians. This center will train librarians on how they can integrate the library with the current technological advancement, thus allowing them to communicate with their patrons through computers. This center will also increase access to the Internet and will promote the use of modern technology.

2.3 ERICSON

On January 25, the well-known Swedish company Ericson, which plans to invest in the telecommunications sector, opened its representative office in Albania. The arrival of Ericson suggests an increase in foreign investment, in particular Swedish investment in the telecommunications sector. During the Kosovo crises, Ericson invested around US$2 million in mobile connection in the northern Kuksi district.

2.4 AMC

AMC is expected to be privatised in March 2000.

There have been a lot of discussions regarding the strategic investor, who will win the tender for the privatisation. IMF anticipated that the completion of the privatisation would be postponed to June 2000. However, being concerned about the entrance of the American giant, New World Telekom, the government has moved the deadline back to February. So far, nothing has taken place despite the deadline and speculation.

In the recent months, a new competitor has emerged, showing interest in purchasing AMC. Up to now, the six companies that have shown interest include: Panafon Greece (in cooperation with Vadafon Europe and Albatel), Turcell, Mobilkom Austria, Telekom Italia, and Telenor International (in cooperation with Cosmote) and MIC USA.

2.5. Licensing of the second mobile operator in Albania

During 2000, it is expected that there will be an open international tender for a second mobile operator in Albania. The tender will likely occur after the completion of the privatisation of AMC, the first mobile operator. The Telecommunications Regulatory Entity (TRE) has announced its intent to limit mobile communications to only two parallel services.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is assisting TRE in preparing the necessary documentation for conducting the international tender. Such assistance is announced by the director of World Bank for Albania and Croatia, Mr Artnod Hartman. Depending on the time for procedures, the date of tender preparation will be announced soon.

2.6. Investments on technical supplies for Albanian Telegraphic Agency

On January 6, Reuters gave the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) a gift of 50 computers. These computers will improve ATA’s technical capability and will supply journalists with the necessary professional equipment. ATA correspondents in various districts of the country will also use these computers. The gift is a sign of further cooperation between the two organisations. Every month, Reuters offers its subscribers 2000 news items authorised by the ATA.

3. Information content stimulation

During the past quarter, the following promotion actions have been undertaken:

3.1 Organisation of a training course in Italy for experts of the Internet Back Bone Project in Albania: This course is supported by Albtelecom (deti@iname.com) and will be conducted by Italian experts in the telecommunications field, in particular the Internet. Through the training course, participants will learn how to better implement the Internet Back Bone project in Albania.

3.2 Publication of the Directory of export-import enterprises in Tirana region by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (root@ccitr.tirana.al): The directory gathered the necessary information regarding businesses operating in the Tirana region. It also increases the public’s access to business information regarding the foreign homologues companies available at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

3.3 Publication of the Practical Guide of Tirana by Çelesi Design newspaper (celesi@albaniaonline.net): Çelesi Design is a relatively new periodically newspaper published every Saturday in Tirana. This practical guide is useful for both tourists and Albanians. Included in the guide is information regarding business issues, banks, hotels, restaurants, museums, culture, entertainment, medical service, etc. This guide is the first publication dedicated to the capital city of Albania since its transition 10 years ago.

3.4 Installation of Intranet in the directories of the Ministry of Education and Science: The Intranet will be extended to universities in Albania. It will greatly facilitate the interconnection between institutions in different districts and will also help computerise documents prepared by the Ministry.