By: georgia

KEY DEVELOPMENTS: 

May 2013 - May 2014

Access to the internet improved during the coverage period, with internet penetration increasing from 39 percent in 2012 to 46 percent by the end of 2013 (see Obstacles to Access).

Improvements in the mobile market included the introduction of a mobile number portability (MNP) system in April 2014, allowing consumers to switch more easily between providers, and the licensing of a fourth mobile network provider, due to take effect in 2015 (see Obstacles to Access).

On November 9, 2013, an amendment to the copyright law went into force that requires print publications, online media, and other websites to cite the original source of republished content, including the news outlet’s title and an active hyperlink to the original content where appropriate. Journalists and editors hope the new regulation will improve the quality of the media in Armenia (see Limits on Content).

An online campaign surrounding pension reforms succeeded in generating a national policy change, eliminating the proposed requirement for mandatory pension contributions (see Limits on Content).

The internet penetration rate in Armenia has continued improving over the past few years, accompanied by fewer restrictions on online content and increased efforts to make the communications regulatory body, the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC), more independent. Additionally, citizen groups and NGOs have made use of online communication tools to organize campaigns and promote policy changes in the country.

See full report on Armenia