Rostelecom keeps investing in development of Armenia's education system

On March 3, the Co-Founder of IDeA charitable foundation, entrepreneur and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan delivered to Sergey Kalugin, President of Rostelecom, a thank you certificate for technological support of UWC Dilijan College (Dilijan, Armenia) - the first college of the UWC educational network in the post-Soviet space, the press office of Rostelecom reports.  

The source says that in 2014, Rostelecom, without remuneration, built the high-speed fiber-optic data transfer network at UWC Dilijan College and undertook to provide services of high-speed broadband internet access, telephony and interactive TV for students and residents of the college campus.

Support in the form of telecommunications services is provided as part of the close partnership program of Rostelecom and UWC Dilijan College. Thanks to the technological support, talented students from different countries are successfully studying under the two-year pre-university International Baccalaureate Program (IB Diploma), using the most advanced educational technologies.

Hayk Faramazyan, CEO of GNC-ALFA CJSC, Rostelecom Group, noted: "Rostelecom supports scientific-educational projects in Armenia by implementing high-tech and innovative solutions. We are very pleased that, with our help, students and residents of the campus of UWC Dilijan College may use the opportunities of the latest technologies in the educational sphere."

Veronika Zonabend, Chair of the Board of Governors of UWC Dilijan College, said: "The support we receive from Rostelecom is crucial: thanks to the funds we saved, we can provide grants to a large number of deserving candidates, regardless of the financial position of their families. Essentially, this is a contribution to developing a unique as of today education, which not only provides outstanding knowledge in various disciplines, but also changes personalities, inspiring young people to be caring and socially responsible, and to work together for the sake of a peaceful and stable future."

To note, GNC-ALFA CJSC (www.rtarmenia.am), was founded in 2007. In February 2012 the company became a member of Rostelecom OJSC group of companies. Starting from December 18, 2012 GNC-ALFA CJSC provides telecommunication services in RA under the brand of "Rostelecom"  as a subsidiary company. As one of the leading telecommunications companies Rostelecom Armenia provides Internet access, Fixed telephony and new generation IP TV services to both physical bodies and corporate clients.

During the period of 2012-2013 the company made large-scale investments in  network development and expansion. Investments resulted with successful implementation of new "Fiber to the home" (GPON) technology in a number of  cities of RA. Starting from 2014 the company provides services in cities Yerevan (Center, Erebuni, Nubarashen, Ajapnyak, Avan, Nor Nork, Davitshen, Malatia-Sebastia, Arabkir districts), Abovyan, Charentsavan, Hrazdan, Vanadzor, Gyumri, Ashtarak, Metsamor, Armavir, Masis, Artashat, Ararat, Sevan, Dilijan, Ijevan, Kapan, Martuni, Alaverdi and Kajaran. Sales and support offices and shop-in-shops are operating in all cities mentioned. The network of Rostelecom Armenia is solely based on fiber-optic cable (FOC) infrastructure covering 80% of the territory of RA and spreading for over 3000km. It is connected to region's main terrestrial networks and largest traffic exchange nodes as well as international channels of Iran and Georgia. Rostelecom has built 40Gb/s network covering all municipalities of Yerevan and providing high- speed internet connection to all customers. The Government of the Republic of Armenia, State institutions and International organizations, Corporations, local Commercial Banks and Financial institutions, operators are listed as Corporate clients of GNC-ALFA CJSC.

OJSC Rostelecom (www.rostelecom.ru) is one of the biggest national telecommunications companies in Russia and Europe, with a presence in every segment of the telecommunications services market and coverage of more than 34 million households in Russia. The Company holds a leading position on the Russian broadband and pay TV markets, with over 11 million fixed-line broadband subscribers and more than 7.8 million pay TV customers, of which more than 2.5 million use the unique nationwide "Interactive TV" product. The Group's consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2014 was RUB 75.5 billion and its OIBDA reached RUB 26.1 billion (34.6% of revenue), with a net profit of RUB 24.5 billion. The revenue for 2013 was RUB 325,7 billion, its OIBDA reached RUB 113,3 billion (34.8)% of revenue, with a net profit of RUB 24.1 billion. Rostelecom is an absolute market leader in providing the telecommunications services to Russian government departments and corporate users at every level. It is also a recognized technological leader in innovative solutions in the fields of E-government, cloud computing, healthcare, education, security and housing & utility services. Its stable financial status is confirmed by credit ratings of BBB- from Fitch Ratings and BB+ from Standard & Poor's.

UWC Dilijan is the joint project of philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend and their partners. UWC Dilijan became the first college in the post-Soviet area to join the UWC network.  UWC schools, colleges and programmes deliver a challenging and transformative educational experience to a diverse cross section of students, inspiring them to create a more peaceful and sustainable future.

IDeA Foundation (Initiatives for Development of Armenia) implements strategic charitable initiatives for Armenia, Artsakh and Armenian Diaspora. The projects are aimed at preservation, rebirth and international recognition of national, spiritual and historical heritage, development of education, cultural enrichment and enhancement of competitiveness of the nation.  IDeA was set up by RVVZ Foundation which was co-founded by Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. Tatev Revival project, UWC Dilijan College, Reconstruction of the Sourb Gevorg Church in Tbilisi are among IDeA's significant projects.