Fiber Optic Development

Today, the proliferation of fiber optic networks within nations is synonymous with progress. States undertaking such initiatives understand that it’s not merely about deploying a typical communication project but investing in the nation’s future. Therefore, Raisi’s administration’s target for fiber optic expansion, particularly the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, is regarded as a critical and forward-looking national endeavor.

On May 17, 2022, coinciding with World Telecommunication Day, a pivotal contract was officially signed for developing fiber optic internet with nine operators. This agreement paves the way for the gradual inclusion of other key players like Irancell and the Telecommunication Company of Iran. These operators pledged to deliver fiber optic services across the country, with plans targeting 1,200 cities and eight major urban areas for fiber optic development within the next three years. Aligned with the objectives of this initiative, the thirteenth government aimed to provide access to 20 million fiber optic ports for households, assigning oversight and direction of the project to the Ministry of Communications.

In this context, an essential parliamentary resolution was passed on October 16, 2023, to facilitate the project’s advancement. This resolution led to the establishment of the Fiber Optic Network Development Fund. The Fund’s objectives are to optimize the utilization of existing telecommunications infrastructure and expand the final access network for fixed broadband internet through fiber optic technology.

Under this resolution, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was mandated to create at least 5 million fiber optic-based fixed broadband internet subscriptions annually using resources from funds and investments from telecommunications users.

Throughout the project’s implementation, the Ministry of ICT, provincial authorities, and project operators have disseminated numerous updates, underscoring the seriousness of advancing the transformative fiber optic network nationwide.

Active project operators attended a recent progress review meeting for the national fiber optic home and business project, which was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eisa zarepour. He stressed its large-scale and national significance, asserting that each step in this endeavor contributes to the country’s progress and optimism for the future. He highlighted that connecting every home to fiber optics fosters hope and can catalyze the nation’s growth and advancement.

Minister Zarepor further stated that the project is well underway, with all necessary arrangements, from financing to coordination, including with local authorities, already in place. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have resolved the challenges thus far, affirming that no insurmountable obstacles remain in the project’s path.

Minister Zarepor referenced the targets outlined in the Seventh Development Plan Law, which predicts the connection of 20 million buildings by 2028.

This signifies the project’s commitment to ensuring nationwide connectivity, with the ultimate goal of reaching every household in the country. The national fiber optic home and business project has commenced in 23 provinces, with drilling and ducting operations either underway or completed in these cities. Thus far, 2370 kilometers of fiber optic cable have been laid.

The Ministry of ICTs initiated fiber optic construction across all cities in the country with nine operators by issuing a unified network and services license. By the end of 2023, with a progress rate of 35, more than 7 million households were covered, to reach 20 million households by the end of 2025.

Citizens can monitor coverage for their residences by accessing the universal dashboard at iranftx.ir or staying informed about Fiber Optic Development project progress with real-time estimates.