The Minister of Communications of Russia Nikolay Nikiforov opened the final stage of Web&Tech Ready

The Minister of Communications of Russia Nikolay Nikiforov made a welcoming speech at the final stage of the international IT project contest Web&Tech Ready 2015, in which he elaborated on the IT and telecommunications industry development in the Russian Federation.

“Today we exist in the telecommunications revolution mode.

Only within the last three years, the number of Internet users in Russia has increased by 24 millions. Now we are running the largest installation project in the world, in the course of which we will actually extend fiberoptic cable coverage to all settlements with more than 250 residents. 97% of Russian residents will be able to experience a cheap and high-speed Internet connection. Today, we are already the Europe’s largest Internet market, and in the future we will reach unprecedented heights in terms of penetration of the most advanced technologies,” said Nikolay Nikiforov. “As for IT technology in Russia, I’m still convinced that we do not have enough of IT specialists and should continue investment in state-funded quotas in educational institutions and startups, and support organisations involved in cultivation investment. Over 4,000 projects have already passed through Web&Tech Ready, and many of them have gotten firm on their feet and obtained additional investment. It shows we’re on the right path. We advance towards innovation, knowledge-intensive startups and promising projects. We should export our potential and make our country a better place for work and life.”

In the course of the event, the Head of the Ministry of Communications of Russia took part in the grand ceremony of opening of Blaise Pascal Street. A memorial sign in the form of the famous Pascal’s pyramid that has served as a basis for one of the machine languages was set to mark the foundation of the street.