Afghanistan entered into the new development era of digitization by launching the digital broadcasting system for the first time in the country.
The replacement of old analog broadcasting system to the new digital system was made during an inauguration ceremony in Kabul on Sunday, which was attended by high level government officials.
Second vice president, Karim Khalili, said the launch of the new system will pave the way for further development of freedom of speech and oversight and monitoring of government activities.
Khalili further added that the development and achievements in telecommunication and information technology has helped the improvement of media, civil and political freedom and government’s accountability.
He called on media agencies not only to concentrate on criticism of the government, but should take advantage of the current opportunities and reflect the achievements of Afghanistan as well.
The Ministry of Telecommunication and Information Technology said the contract of digitizing the broadcasting system of the country was awarded to ABS company which will initially digitize the 60 TV stations in capital Kabul.
The ministry said the company will soon start work on digitization of TV stations in other provinces, including Herat, Ghazni, Kandahar, Mazar and Jalalabad cities.
Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister, Amirzai Sangin, said Afghanistan’s achievement in telecom and information technology sectors have been remarkable during the past one decade.
Sangin said 35 TV stations and 62 radio stations are currently operational in the capital while 54 TV stations and 160 radio stations are operational in other provinces of the country.
