Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ASHGABAT241
2007-02-28 13:11:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:
OPENING OF ASHGABAT INTERNET CAFES -- SYMBOLIC OR A REAL
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UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000241
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN (PERRY),SCA/PPD (KAMP),EUR/ACE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ETRD TX TNGD KPAO ECON CH
SUBJECT: OPENING OF ASHGABAT INTERNET CAFES -- SYMBOLIC OR A REAL
STEP FORWARD?
SUMMARY
-------
UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000241
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN (PERRY),SCA/PPD (KAMP),EUR/ACE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ETRD TX TNGD KPAO ECON CH
SUBJECT: OPENING OF ASHGABAT INTERNET CAFES -- SYMBOLIC OR A REAL
STEP FORWARD?
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (U) Turkmenistan State news outlets and international news
outlets widely reported the opening of two state-run Internet cafes
in Ashgabat soon after the inauguration of new president Gurbanguly
Berdimuhammedov on February 14. The new Internet cafes represent a
small step towards fulfilling Berdimuhammedov's campaign pledge of
widespread Internet access. Despite usage fees that make access
pricey for ordinary citizens most reports are positive with regard
to the speed and unfiltered access to the World Wide Web. However,
the cafes do not appear to have many users. End Summary.
INITIAL OPENINGS APPEAR TO BE THE REAL THING
--------------
2. (SBU) Journalists and embassy FSNs visited the two state-run
Internet cafes shortly after their opening. An AP journalist
reported that he could easily access international news media and
opposition websites when using the cafes, and that the connection
speed was good. Embassy staff reported similar success in accessing
websites quickly, but noted that usage fees are about $4 per hour,
which would make Internet access a luxury item for most. (Comment:
For comparison, typical taxi rides in Ashgabat can cost 35 cents to
$1. Other basic services or utilities are free or inexpensive. End
Comment) Other FSNs had mixed reviews of the connection speeds and
have heard that the quality of the connection greatly varies.
3. (SBU) Neither cafe was reported busy at the times of visits.
The cafe staff was polite and welcoming, one attendant even
recommended to an FSN that people come after the prices have been
lowered, stating that the Ministry of Communications would reduce
prices soon. One FSN noted that an individual at one of the cafe's
had the "MFA look" suggesting that the government could be
monitoring who used the cafe.
4. (U) Internet usage at the embassy's Information Resource Center
and three fully functioning American Corners continues at high
rates.
ACCESS TO BE MONITORED USING CHINESE METHODS?
--------------
5. (SBU) The Gundogar opposition website ran an article claiming
that Turkmenistan was receiving assistance from China in the
technology of monitoring the Internet usage of individuals. At
least one FSN has heard rumors of the same, some locals speculate
that this is a likely direction that the host government would take
in tandem with opening up Internet access. The Chinese also are
involved with laying fiber optic cable both from Ashgabat to
Dashoguz and from Turkmenabat to Turkmenbashy, apparently this is
part of a greater plan to link China to Europe by fiber optic cable.
COMMENT
--------------
6. (U) Although only a small step, the two Internet cafes represent
a clear departure from the past. Under Niyazov Internet access for
the general public was seldom discussed and access severely limited.
The lack of instant popularity at the cafes might be explained by a
lack of understanding about the Internet or how to use it; fear of
the government's sincerity about freedom of access; as well as the
prohibitive expense of usage. Knowledge about the Internet is
limited, yet state media has recently published or broadcast short,
informative pieces on the benefits of using the Internet. End
Comment.
BRUSH
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR SCA/CEN (PERRY),SCA/PPD (KAMP),EUR/ACE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV ETRD TX TNGD KPAO ECON CH
SUBJECT: OPENING OF ASHGABAT INTERNET CAFES -- SYMBOLIC OR A REAL
STEP FORWARD?
SUMMARY
--------------
1. (U) Turkmenistan State news outlets and international news
outlets widely reported the opening of two state-run Internet cafes
in Ashgabat soon after the inauguration of new president Gurbanguly
Berdimuhammedov on February 14. The new Internet cafes represent a
small step towards fulfilling Berdimuhammedov's campaign pledge of
widespread Internet access. Despite usage fees that make access
pricey for ordinary citizens most reports are positive with regard
to the speed and unfiltered access to the World Wide Web. However,
the cafes do not appear to have many users. End Summary.
INITIAL OPENINGS APPEAR TO BE THE REAL THING
--------------
2. (SBU) Journalists and embassy FSNs visited the two state-run
Internet cafes shortly after their opening. An AP journalist
reported that he could easily access international news media and
opposition websites when using the cafes, and that the connection
speed was good. Embassy staff reported similar success in accessing
websites quickly, but noted that usage fees are about $4 per hour,
which would make Internet access a luxury item for most. (Comment:
For comparison, typical taxi rides in Ashgabat can cost 35 cents to
$1. Other basic services or utilities are free or inexpensive. End
Comment) Other FSNs had mixed reviews of the connection speeds and
have heard that the quality of the connection greatly varies.
3. (SBU) Neither cafe was reported busy at the times of visits.
The cafe staff was polite and welcoming, one attendant even
recommended to an FSN that people come after the prices have been
lowered, stating that the Ministry of Communications would reduce
prices soon. One FSN noted that an individual at one of the cafe's
had the "MFA look" suggesting that the government could be
monitoring who used the cafe.
4. (U) Internet usage at the embassy's Information Resource Center
and three fully functioning American Corners continues at high
rates.
ACCESS TO BE MONITORED USING CHINESE METHODS?
--------------
5. (SBU) The Gundogar opposition website ran an article claiming
that Turkmenistan was receiving assistance from China in the
technology of monitoring the Internet usage of individuals. At
least one FSN has heard rumors of the same, some locals speculate
that this is a likely direction that the host government would take
in tandem with opening up Internet access. The Chinese also are
involved with laying fiber optic cable both from Ashgabat to
Dashoguz and from Turkmenabat to Turkmenbashy, apparently this is
part of a greater plan to link China to Europe by fiber optic cable.
COMMENT
--------------
6. (U) Although only a small step, the two Internet cafes represent
a clear departure from the past. Under Niyazov Internet access for
the general public was seldom discussed and access severely limited.
The lack of instant popularity at the cafes might be explained by a
lack of understanding about the Internet or how to use it; fear of
the government's sincerity about freedom of access; as well as the
prohibitive expense of usage. Knowledge about the Internet is
limited, yet state media has recently published or broadcast short,
informative pieces on the benefits of using the Internet. End
Comment.
BRUSH