SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (July 27, 2004) – Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $230,850 grant to BH Telecom, a Sarajevo-based national telecommunications operator, to fund a feasibility study on the deployment of a national wireless fidelity (WiFi) network in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The grant was conferred in a signing ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo.  The Honorable Clifford G. Bond, U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. Government.  Mr. Hamdo Katica, General Manager, signed on behalf of BH Telecom. 

The USTDA-funded study will develop plans for deploying this new wireless technology in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  If implemented, the WiFi network will provide a cost effective and rapid means of extending telecommunications and Internet access to thousands of households and businesses that are currently without either service.  In addition, the project is likely to lead to the implementation of “next generation” communication and Internet services, such as video conferencing, e-commerce, and multi-media messaging, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries.  The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment.  USTDA’s strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development.  In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

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