MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

The State Program on Broadband Infrastructure Development in Georgia

In the framework of the program the settlements which are not covered by fiber-optic network will be covered using fiber-optic cables and established open access points. non-profit entity “OpenNet” established by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. 

After the implementation of the State program on Broadband fiber-optic Infrastructure Development population living in regions of Georgia will benefit from high-speed internet, which will further increase the involvement of citizens in our country's socio-economic life. 

For more information, please visit: http://opennet.ge/geo 

Broadband Infrastructure Development Strategy and Implementation Plan for Georgia

Under the project Harmonized Digital Market (HDM) EU4Digital “Eastern Partnership Countries (EaP) Broadband Infrastructure Development Strategy” within the framework of regional initiatives, with support of the European Commission, the World Bank Group (WBG) has commenced rendering technical assistance to the MoESD on elaboration of the broadband development strategy of Georgia and its implementation plan. The key objectives are to enhance the relevant legal and regulatory framework for broadband development in line with the EU norms and overcome the digital divide across urban and rural areas;

Community Broadband Internet Network Development in Pshavi and Khevsureti as well as in Gudamakari 

In current year, with support of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia will start Pshavi, Khevsureti and Gudamakari Community Internatization project, which will cover Pshavi, Khevsureti and Gudamakari valleys.

Support of the rrealization of the Broadband Internetization Project will be conducted under the Resolution of the Government of Georgia №1709, 27 August 2018 on Amendment to the Resolution  №671, 27 March 2018 of The Government of Georgia on "Allocation funds from the Assignments Provided for Development  of High Mountainous Settlements". Under which part of the project will be covered from the budget, part - by the donors. Beneficiary of the project is the mountain community network. Small and Medium Telecom Operators Association of Georgia (TOA) will ensure the preparation of project documentation and network planning, network access to the local and global internet, colocation service and trainings. 

Fiber-Optic Cable Infrastructure between Europe and Asia 

The favorable geographical location of Georgia allows it to become one of the key connecting hub between Europe and Asia. In this regard, the Ministry implements targeted negotiations with foreign telecommunications administrations their large trunk Tier 1 operators, whose networks cover the areas of Europe and Asia to be interested in entering Georgia and access to the global resources of the service delivery point as well as establishing the Data Centers. The upmentioned, will significantly contribute to the existence of wholesale internet competitive pricing and formation of the Europe-Asia telecommunications traffic exchange corridor through Georgia. 

The construction of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea submarine fiber-optic cable backbone and its exploitation is under discussion with interested parties, that will enable elimination of digital inequalities in fiber-optic cable infrastructure of Europe and Asia, improvement of prices and quality and combat against disasters, simplified access to digital content (most digital content is located in Europe) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Ensuring the Safe Internet Space

• Online Security Assessment Report in Georgia

As a result of the technical assistance provided by the experts of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the "Online Security Assessment Report in Georgia" was prepared, within the project, research was carried out through special "online" questionnaires, meetings were held with interested stakeholders and other organizations, the analysis of existing legislation was carried out and as a result, an analysis of the situation and recommendations in the direction of online security was prepared.

 Online Security Assessment Report in Georgia

• Child Online Protection Guide for Parents and Educators

In order to share the world's best practices for the safety of children and adolescents in the online space, in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Telecommunication Union's Online Child Protection Guide for Parents and Educators was translated into Georgian. The guideline was developed by the ITU and leading organizations working on child online protection. The aim of the guide is to raise the awareness of parents and educators for a safe connection with the online world of the young generation and to help them with appropriate recommendations so that the young generation can overcome the potential risks and dangers of the digital world.

 Child Online Protection Guide for Parents and Educators

Fulfillment of obligations under the Association Agreement in the telecommunications Sector

• With the purpose of fulfilling obligations taken within the framework of the Association Agreement Title IV, Article 129, should be defined the rights and commitments of intermediary service providers’ (ISP) in Georgian legislation, the MoESD with support of the USAID's project "Governing for Growth (G4G)" works on elaboration of the draft Law on eCommerce. After completion of works the draft law will be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia.
• According to the Association Agreement Title IV, XV-B Annex, in the purpose of harmonization the telecommunication sector legislation with the EU legislation, considering the gap between the legislation of Georgia and Directive on confidentiality of private life and Electronic communication (2002/58/EC); Directive on Authorization (2002/20/EC); Directive on Access (2002/19/EC) and Directive on framework (2009/140/EC) works are ongoing with the Georgian National Communication Commission on draft amendment in the Law of Georgia on Electronic Communications. After completion of works, the draft law will be submitted to the Parliament of Georgia.
• With the purpose of fulfilling obligations taken under the Association Agreement, trade technical barriers (TBT) strategy, approximation with the European Parliament and Council Directive N214/53/EC concerning the radio equipment  and telecommunication terminal equipment  and mutual recognition of its compliance. Drafting the Technical Regulation - is underway with the Georgian National Communication Commission.

The Project - "Harmonization of Digital Markets in the Eastern Partnership countries (HDM)" 

Sinc 2014 the project - "Harmonization of Digital Markets (HDM)" is ongoing the aim of which is to support the process of harmonization of digital markets between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries, development of digital economy and society through joint projects, harmonization and integration of legislative, administrative and technological systems of national ICT policy.

Under the project is established new EU4Digital ‘’digital skills (eSkills)’’, ‘’ICT Innovation (ICT Innovation)’’, ‘’electronic identification and trust services; network and information security and cyber security (Trust&Secure)’’, “electronic Trade (eTrade)’’, ‘’electronic health (eHealth)’’ and electronic communications regulatory authorities EU4Digital: Telecom networks.

For each network development and harmonization with the EU countries action plans and projects have been defined. All relevant institutions are involved in the EU4Digital networks and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (Communications, Information and modern technologies Department) is the HDM project coordinator.

Postal Sector Reform and elaboration of regulatory framework 

Within the scope of the Postal Sector reform, under the Grant Assistance of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been completed:  

• Analysis of the current postal sector
• Elaboration of main policy options for postal sector development
• Review / modification of the draft Postal Law.

Draft Law of Georgia on Post

The Draft Postal Law of Georgia was elaborated, which will be adopted under the established rules in 2018..

International Cooperation in Postal Sector

At the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) 26th Congress, for the 2016 – 2020 period, Georgia was elected as the Member of the Administrative Council (CA) and the Postal Operational Council (POC), at the same time as the Vice Chair of the CA (Administrative Council).