Seyed Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, began a one-day visit to Gilan province on Thursday, 11 Dey 1404, with the aim of accelerating the region’s digital transformation. His delegation arrived at Sardar Jangal Airport in Rasht and proceeded to pay respects at the Golzar Shohada of Rasht before attending provincial meetings at the governor’s office.
Iran digital infrastructure expansion to boost connectivity in Gilan
At a provincial steering council for communications and information technology, the ministry announced the inauguration of 305 projects across Gilan with a combined budget of 11,708 billion rials. The projects cover a broad range of interventions designed to raise service quality and expand access, particularly in underserved urban and rural communities.
The portfolio includes expansion of urban and rural communication networks, enhanced mobile coverage, widespread deployment of fibre-optic lines and measures to strengthen network resilience. Officials said the projects will also underpin wider infrastructure schemes intended to modernise the province’s digital backbone and support future growth in online services.
During the meeting, provincial and ministry officials reviewed current network coverage and identified priority areas for rapid deployment. The emphasis is on improving the reliability of existing systems, reducing connectivity gaps and ensuring that upgrades reach remote localities where digital access has lagged.
As part of the visit, Minister Hashemi convened a roundtable with technology professionals, university researchers and sector stakeholders. The session focused on the scientific and technological capacities of Gilan and how those assets can be mobilised to develop the local digital economy. Participants discussed collaboration between government, academia and private industry to foster innovation and create new job opportunities in the information and communications technology sector.
Ministry officials framed the programme as a strategic effort to support equitable access to communication services, accelerate the development of digital infrastructure and cultivate a stronger ecosystem for technology and innovation within the province. Officials said the investments are expected to improve public services, enable digital businesses and increase resilience against network disruptions.
Local authorities welcomed the minister’s visit, noting that the combination of financial commitment and co‑ordinated planning should shorten delivery times and improve oversight of implementation. The projects are slated to include both immediate upgrades and longer term infrastructure works, with phased rollouts intended to deliver measurable improvements in the coming months.
Analysts say the drive to expand Iran’s provincial digital infrastructure aligns with broader national objectives to boost domestic connectivity, strengthen technological self‑reliance and support regional economic development. By linking provincial needs with national planning, the ministry hopes to catalyse private investment and strengthen local supply chains for ICT projects.
Minister Hashemi’s programme in Gilan concluded with a commitment to follow up on project progress and to maintain regular dialogue with local stakeholders. Officials pledged to publish implementation timelines and to monitor key performance indicators to ensure that the announced projects translate into tangible improvements in connectivity and public service delivery across the province.
Key Takeaways:
- Iran digital infrastructure will receive a major boost as Minister Seyed Sattar Hashemi opens 305 ICT projects across Gilan.
- Projects worth 11,708 billion rials target urban and rural networks, mobile coverage and fibre expansion.
- Minister holds steering council meeting and meets academics and technology stakeholders to promote the digital economy.
