DUSHANBE, January 31, Asia-Plus  -- In case of the possible suspension of the Norak hydroelectric power station (HPS), which provides some 70 percent of Tajikistan’s population with electrical power, the fixed-line telecommunications network will remain operational, Deputy Transport and Communications Minister, Beg Zuhurov, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.  

According to him, all facilities providing the country with telecommunications services will operate on stand-by units.    

“All dial exchanges have charged storage batteries in reserve, which are able to keep the dial exchange operational during 12 hours,” said Zuhurov, “Besides, the dial exchanges are provided with diesel-run generators and sufficient fuel supplies to ensure regular work of generators.”

There is also the third version, meant for operation in emergency situations, the deputy minister said.  “We have agreements with neighboring countries on the supply of electrical power for providing work of communications sector in the critical situation,” he said.