The Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi described the National Information Network as “people’s network” stressing that the development of the network should not be at odds with the latest global technologies.
He made the remarks at the 146th
meeting of the National Information Network Steering Council, in which noted the
importance of drawing on the experience and technological development path
followed internationally in the field of emerging technologies.
“The National Information Network
is the people’s network. If we can introduce and develop it from this
perspective, we can move in the right direction and achieve the objectives we
have set.”
Hashemi stated a “top-down” approach
has not produced significant results in any field and said, “To develop the National
Information Network, it is necessary to create the conditions for the effective
participation and contribution of different sectors.”
He added it was necessary to take
into account users’ actual needs and the requirements of current technological
developments in the development of the National Information Network.
“The network must be developed in
a way that enables it to meet the needs of citizens and businesses while
keeping pace with technological developments around the world.”
IPv6 Restrictions Must Be Resolved
The ICT Minister then addressed
the implementation of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) and the issues raised
in this regard, emphasizing the need to promptly review and resolve the
existing restrictions.
“If there is no legal resolution
governing restrictions on the use of this protocol, there is no reason to
impose restrictions in this area, and the matter must be pursued and resolved
without delay.”
Also referring to the importance
of developing communications infrastructure in line with future requirements,
he identified attention to standards and new technologies as one of the
prerequisites for network development.
Domestic Search Engines Need Ecosystem Connection
In another part of his remarks,
Hashemi addressed the issue of domestic search engines, recalling more than a
decade of experience in this field and emphasizing the need to examine operational
and economic models to ensure the continuity of these services.
“If domestic search engines
ultimately become connected to an ecosystem, there will be an opportunity for
them to emerge and sustain their operations.”
He stressed the need to develop a
business model for search engines that have the potential to operate and
compete in this field.
“Alongside technical
considerations, attention must also be paid to the economic model and to how
these services can be integrated with other components of the digital ecosystem,”
the ICT Minister noted.