nection to the server that activates the user’s account using POP3, telnet, and FTP Internet protocols. See Armenian Freenet, http://www.freenet.am.
26. TAOS consists of a northern ‘‘ring’’ (Yerevan–Armavir–Gyumri–Vanadzor–Sevan–Yerevan)
and a southern ‘‘tail’’ running from Yerevan to Meghri on the border with Iran. From Vanadzor
the backbone has a northward extension to Georgia, and thence to Russia and the Black Sea
submarine cable system. TAOS is the principal infrastructure providing national and international
connectivity. TAOS passes through some 30 major cities in Armenia, serving approximately 60
percent of the population of Armenia. An additional component of TAOS is Beeline’s metropolitan-area fiber-optic backbone network in Yerevan, comprising a logical ring and extensions that
link the major telephone exchanges.
27. As to unofficial sources, Beeline is conducting negotiations with its Turkish counterparts in relation to the construction of its third alternative fiber-optic network (4 STU), which is expected to
be put into operation during 2009.
28. There are seven country code domain names registrars in Armenia that are also major ISPs:
Arminco LLC, http://www.arminco.com; ABCDomain LLC (formerly ARMINCO, Ltd.), http://
www.abcdomain.am; WEB LLC, http://www.web.am; Xalt LLC (Xternet), http://www.xter.net;
NetSys LLC, http://www.netsys.am; Dolphin LLC, http://www.dolphin.am; and Cornet-AM CJSC,
http://www.cornet.am.
29. Public Services Regulatory Commission, Authorizations for Provision of Voice Services, http://
www.psrc.am/en/?nid=198.
30. In 2007, a major Russian corporation, MTS, purchased 80 percent of shares in Vivacell, previously owned by K-Tel. A Lebanese company called Fatoush Group owns the remaining 20 percent
of Vivacell shares.
31. These figures are not accurate because they reflect dual subscriptions (some users use services
of both operators) and a significant number of inactive users. Consequently, it is considered that
the actual level of penetration of mobile telephony is less than 60 percent. The cost of mobile
communication services varies from USD 0.10 to 0.16 per minute for both prepaid and contract
services. Both operators are owned by Russian companies.
32. David Sandukhchyan, ‘‘Armenia.’’
33. The PSRC is also responsible for the regulation of electricity and water supply services and the
supply of energy, fuel, and other vital goods.
34. Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, July 5, 1995, amended in November 2005.
35. Economist Intelligence Unit, ‘‘Armenia Country Profile,’’ 2008, http://stone.eiu.com/product/
50000205AM.html.
36. OpenNet Initiative Blog, ‘‘Armenia Imposes Internet Censorship as Unrest Breaks Out Following Disputed Presidential Elections,’’ March 11, 2008, http://opennet.net/blog/2008/03/armenia
-imposes-internet-censorship-unrest-breaks-out-following-disputed-presidential-e.
Armenia
147
26. TAOS consists of a northern ‘‘ring’’ (Yerevan–Armavir–Gyumri–Vanadzor–Sevan–Yerevan)
and a southern ‘‘tail’’ running from Yerevan to Meghri on the border with Iran. From Vanadzor
the backbone has a northward extension to Georgia, and thence to Russia and the Black Sea
submarine cable system. TAOS is the principal infrastructure providing national and international
connectivity. TAOS passes through some 30 major cities in Armenia, serving approximately 60
percent of the population of Armenia. An additional component of TAOS is Beeline’s metropolitan-area fiber-optic backbone network in Yerevan, comprising a logical ring and extensions that
link the major telephone exchanges.
27. As to unofficial sources, Beeline is conducting negotiations with its Turkish counterparts in relation to the construction of its third alternative fiber-optic network (4 STU), which is expected to
be put into operation during 2009.
28. There are seven country code domain names registrars in Armenia that are also major ISPs:
Arminco LLC, http://www.arminco.com; ABCDomain LLC (formerly ARMINCO, Ltd.), http://
www.abcdomain.am; WEB LLC, http://www.web.am; Xalt LLC (Xternet), http://www.xter.net;
NetSys LLC, http://www.netsys.am; Dolphin LLC, http://www.dolphin.am; and Cornet-AM CJSC,
http://www.cornet.am.
29. Public Services Regulatory Commission, Authorizations for Provision of Voice Services, http://
www.psrc.am/en/?nid=198.
30. In 2007, a major Russian corporation, MTS, purchased 80 percent of shares in Vivacell, previously owned by K-Tel. A Lebanese company called Fatoush Group owns the remaining 20 percent
of Vivacell shares.
31. These figures are not accurate because they reflect dual subscriptions (some users use services
of both operators) and a significant number of inactive users. Consequently, it is considered that
the actual level of penetration of mobile telephony is less than 60 percent. The cost of mobile
communication services varies from USD 0.10 to 0.16 per minute for both prepaid and contract
services. Both operators are owned by Russian companies.
32. David Sandukhchyan, ‘‘Armenia.’’
33. The PSRC is also responsible for the regulation of electricity and water supply services and the
supply of energy, fuel, and other vital goods.
34. Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, July 5, 1995, amended in November 2005.
35. Economist Intelligence Unit, ‘‘Armenia Country Profile,’’ 2008, http://stone.eiu.com/product/
50000205AM.html.
36. OpenNet Initiative Blog, ‘‘Armenia Imposes Internet Censorship as Unrest Breaks Out Following Disputed Presidential Elections,’’ March 11, 2008, http://opennet.net/blog/2008/03/armenia
-imposes-internet-censorship-unrest-breaks-out-following-disputed-presidential-e.
Armenia
147