ICT Minister orders launching new data centers in Ardabil Prov.

He made the announcement at the Provincial Connectivity Review meeting with the Governor General of Ardabil Masoud Emami Yeganeh and a group of local officials.

Hashemi praised the progress of communication infrastructure projects in Ardabil Province, announced that the province's ICT Complex will be inaugurated during Government Week in August.

The ICT Minister also emphasized the continued expansion of digital connectivity, completion of fiber optic and rural connectivity projects, development of new data center infrastructure, and the implementation of a smart city pilot project in Sareyn city.

"Due to the country's recent circumstances, provincial monitoring meetings for communications projects have resumed after several months. These meetings should continue as a project management model to monitor implementation progress, assess achievements, and remove operational obstacles."

Hashemi noted the significant progress of Ardabil's fiber optic project under the Fourteenth Administration, saying “Ardabil's rise to second place nationwide in fiber optic coverage growth is the result of close cooperation among the Governor's Generals’ Office, executive agencies, and telecommunications operators.”

“This momentum should continue until maximum coverage is achieved,” he added.

ICT Complex Government Week

Referring to the completion of the Ardabil ICT Complex, Hashemi announced that the project is ready for operation.

“The 6,400-square-meter Ardabil Information and Communications Technology Complex will officially open during Government Week, allowing its facilities to serve residents and the province's ICT sector.”

He noted that rural communications coverage in Ardabil has increased from 63% at the beginning of the current government in 2024 to 76%, placing the province fifth nationwide in rural connectivity development.

"This demonstrates the government's practical commitment to balanced development of communications infrastructure," he said.

Hashemi said that communications infrastructure is a prerequisite for development across all sectors.

"Today, development is impossible without strong communications infrastructure. Provinces that invest in this area will achieve greater success in all other areas of development."

The ICT Minister referred to improvements in the province's postal code system for buildings and properties, noting that management changes have led to substantial progress in assigning postal codes.

He stressed the importance of accurate mapping for the postal code project and called for closer coordination among government agencies to reduce duplication of work and improve efficiency.

New Data Centers Planned for Ardabil

Highlighting Ardabil's potential to become one of Iran's major data transit hubs, Hashemi instructed the ICT Ministry’s Telecommunication Infrastructure Company to prioritize the development of new data centers in the province.

He then pointed to Ardabil's border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, saying "The province's geographic location and readiness to expand data transit cooperation create a valuable opportunity. We expect tangible progress on these initiatives to be reported at future meetings."

Hashemi also called for the removal of obstacles delaying the fiber optic project in Parsabad County, emphasizing that the project's uplink connection should be completed as quickly as possible so residents can benefit from a stable, high-quality fiber network.

Announcing the Ministry's readiness to cooperate with the Ardabil Governor General’s Office on the Smart Sareyn initiative, Hashemi said, "If a clear and time-bound implementation plan is prepared, the Ministry is ready to work with the province to develop Sareyn as a pilot smart city."

In closing, the ICT Minister praised the Ardabil Governor General’s Office for its cooperation in removing barriers to communications infrastructure development—including urban management, power supply for telecommunications sites, permit issuance, and coordination among relevant agencies.

“We hope that continued cooperation would accelerate the achievement of the Seventh National Development Plan's objectives for information and communications technology in Ardabil Province,” Hashemi concluded.