SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (September 13, 2004) – Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $490,800 grant to BH Telecom, a Sarajevo-based national telecommunications operator, to fund a pilot project on the deployment of a broadband metropolitan network in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The grant illustrates USTDA’s efforts to help Bosnia and Herzegovina increase Internet and telecommunications access in urban areas.

The grant was conferred in a signing ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo.  Ms. Tina S. Kaidanow, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, signed the grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. Government.  Mr. Hamdo Katica, General Manager, signed on behalf of BH Telecom. 

The USTDA grant will be used to develop plans for the deployment of a broadband network throughout metropolitan areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  The implementation of this network will result in the provision of fixed-line bundled telecommunications services to businesses and individual citizens, and provide a platform for the development of e-commerce solutions.  In addition, the pilot will test the efficacy of an international voice over IP (VoIP) gateway that would allow BH Telecom to route international calls without the use of an international operator.    

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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