Expanding mobile network coverage across Armenia is an important step toward digital development, but it is not enough on its own. A truly inclusive digital environment requires all residents, including those in rural and remote communities, to have access to fast, reliable and affordable internet. Equally important is the development of secure, interconnected and resilient infrastructure capable of supporting essential digital services. These priorities were at the center of the thematic session, “Towards a Unified Digital Armenia: Regional Connectivity, Digital Public Infrastructure and Equal Access,” held as part of ArmIGF2026.
The session was moderated by Kristine Gyonjyan, Director of the Armenian Union of Operators NGO. The speakers included Himmat Singh Sandhu, Digitalization Specialist at the World Bank; Albert Toneynan, Board Vice Chair of the Internet Society NGO and President of ARMIX; Amir Soleimani, Head of Cloud Systems and Infrastructure Networks at EdgeSimplify; and Shant Kasardjyan of the Information Systems Agency of Armenia.
Presenting the preliminary findings of a study on broadband connectivity in Armenia, the World Bank representative noted that nearly 100% of the country’s territory is covered by some form of mobile internet service. However, geographical coverage does not necessarily translate into access to high-speed, reliable connectivity. Currently, approximately 70-80% of households have access to fixed broadband internet. While fiber-optic technology is used in many cases for the final connection to households, more than 200 rural settlements still lack fiber-optic infrastructure along the broader middle sections of the network.
This connectivity gap affects approximately 20,000 households, representing an estimated 70,000-80,000 people. The study also identified around 30 remote villages where deploying fiber-optic networks may not be economically viable. In such locations, satellite connectivity and other alternative technologies could offer practical solutions.
At the same time, preliminary assessments indicate that extending next-generation fiber-optic networks to at least 190 villages is economically and technically feasible. The required investment is estimated at USD 20-25 million. Given the relatively low population density in these areas, approximately half of the investment may need to be supported through public funding. For telecommunications operators, the expected investment recovery period could range from five to ten years.
Addressing the importance of regional connectivity, Albert Toneynan presented ARMIX’s experience in strengthening Armenia’s internet infrastructure. The local internet exchange system has been operating for 16 years, enabling Armenian internet service providers to exchange domestic traffic directly rather than routing it through international networks. This approach reduces reliance on international connectivity, lowers operational costs and latency and strengthens the resilience of the country’s internet infrastructure. In addition, local networks can access content caches operated by major platforms, including Google and Meta, reducing the need for international bandwidth.
Until recently, ARMIX operated a single exchange point in Yerevan. Approximately one year ago, a pilot exchange point was established in Gyumri with grant support. Previously, regional internet service providers had to lease connections to Yerevan to exchange domestic traffic. According to Toneynan, demand for the Gyumri exchange point has exceeded initial expectations, demonstrating the importance of expanding local internet exchange infrastructure beyond the capital.
Amir Soleimani focused on the continuity and resilience of digital infrastructure, particularly in times of crisis and emergency. He highlighted several essential components, including redundant connectivity routes, local DNS infrastructure, content delivery caches, data centers and geographically distributed telecommunications services. He stressed that establishing backup systems is only part of the solution: they must also be regularly tested to ensure they function effectively when needed.
Organizations should be prepared to restore services quickly if primary systems fail. Referring to Iran as an example, he noted that domestic digital services had continued operating in recent months despite disruptions to international internet connectivity amid wartime conditions.
Shant Kasardjyan outlined recent legislative and institutional developments in Armenia’s cybersecurity framework. He explained that the Cybersecurity Law identifies 14 sectors, while a methodology is currently being developed to determine which organizations and systems qualify as critical infrastructure. These entities are expected to be subject to minimum cybersecurity requirements and regular compliance assessments.
In the concluding part of the discussion, participants stressed that developing resilient and inclusive digital infrastructure requires a coordinated effort involving both the public and private sectors. Armenia currently has more than 100 telecommunications operators, four of which are large providers, while the remainder are smaller operators. To make network expansion in remote communities more cost-effective, participants also highlighted the potential for leveraging existing infrastructure, including electricity poles and gas pipelines, for the deployment of telecommunications networks.
The discussion underscored that building a unified digital Armenia requires sustained cooperation among government institutions, the private sector, the technical community and civil society. Beyond setting clear infrastructure development priorities, stakeholders must also address practical implementation challenges, including investment and financing mechanisms, public support schemes and potential tax and customs incentives.
Ultimately, ensuring equal digital access across Armenia will depend not only on expanding network coverage but also on making connectivity reliable, affordable, secure and sustainable for communities throughout the country.
