Implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) in rural areas of the sultanate is key to the development of communities. This was emphasised at a function celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTIS) at Grand Hyatt Muscat on Saturday.
The event was jointly organised by the Information Technology Authority (ITA), the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the Ministry of Transportation & Communications. ICT provides enhanced opportunities to generate income and combat poverty, hunger, ill-health and illiteracy, speakers said.
This year's celebration was held under the patronage of H E Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications; H E Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, chairman of ITA and Minister of Sports Affairs; H E Sheikh Khalid bin Omar al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service, Dr Salim al Ruzaiqi, chief executive officer of ITA, and other top government officials.
Speaking at the event, Dr Ruzaiqi said that ICT sector has become the most important economic resource of its time and offers precious opportunities to develop the lives of individuals and society.
"ICT is as important as natural resources. This contributes to enhancing the orientations of both the public and private sectors in Oman through the employment of the modern communication network, the Internet and digital technology."
"We are in greater need than ever before for providing the remotest areas in the sultanate with premium mobile phone and Internet services. We also need to eliminate digital illiteracy," Dr Ruzaiqi added.
© Muscat Daily 2011
