WORLD MARKED 156 YEARS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Luanda - The World celebrated Monday (May 17) the 156th anniversary of interaction and social approach through Information Communications Technology (ICT).

Angola has been full member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), since the 1970s.

The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day was established on May 17, 1865, following the creation of International Telegraphic Union and the signing of the first International Telegraphic Convention.

Sixty-seven years later, starting in 1932, the International Telegraphic Union was renamed the International Telecommunication Union - ITU, the United Nations specialized agency for this sector.

The date aims to celebrate progress in information technologies and draw people's attention to the changes that have taken place in society, lately with the power of the internet and other forms of telecommunication, reflected in the sharing of information worldwide and in the interconnection of the globe.

Onr the date, the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication (MINTTICS) reiterated the county’s commitment to the continuous improvement of the provision of public and basic telephony and internet access services, he described as crucial for process of modernizing governance.

In the message, signed by minister Manuel Homem, the Ministerial Department considers the sector as essential, also in terms of social and economic development and social inclusion.

In view of the current moment, marked by Covid-19, MINTTICS encourages professionals in the sector to continue to work with courage and dedication, to ensure the services of electronic communications and to strengthen the prevention and fight against this pandemic, with the support of technological means available.

To the users, the ministry appeals to the responsible use of digital services and social networks, stressing that the International Telecommunications and Information Society Day represents an evaluation moment, both for society as a whole and for electronic communications operators in particular.

"The Angolan Executive is aware of the primary role that Telecommunications and Information Technologies in the social context and the national economy and recognises the sector as a fundamental lever in the process of socio-economic development, in the fight against poverty and in the pursuit of the Millennium goals", he said.

Official data from the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technology and Social Communication indicate that Angola has more than 15 million mobile phone subscribers, 7 million internet users and more than 2 million pay-TV users.