Karzai inaugurates 3G technology project

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday inaugurated a much-awaited 3G mobile technology project and switch to GSM standards in Kabul.

Speaking at a ceremony here, the president praised the nation for each step it took toward progress in the telecom sector.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) says the switch to GSM technology from the CDMA system will bring down call rates.

The present telecommunication system in Afghanistan is based on the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Introduction of the new system will help promote positive competition among telecom firms.

Karzai urged the Afghans to adhere to their cultural values while using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Skype. He said people should not bully or exchange bad words on social media.

“We should keep in mind our lifestyle, family, social and cultural values while using this technology in Afghanistan. We should be committed and respectful to our core ethics,” he remarked.

Karzai also received an appreciation letter from the MCIT in recognition of his support for and contributions to the IT sector’s development.

More than 20 million people presently use mobile phones in Afghanistan, with 40 percent having access to the Internet and 90 percent to telecom services.

ma/mud

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