The Fate of the Artsakh 097 Code: Insights from Armenian Communication Operators

Residents displaced from Artsakh are facing many challenges, including a crucial problem: the absence of communication with one another. Using phone numbers with the 097 code from Artsakh proves difficult for residents within the Republic of Armenia, and essentially, Artsakh residents have lost the ability to connect with each other while in Armenian territory.

Recently, witnesses reported long lines near the 'Viva-MTS' service point in Goris, and today both 'Viva-MTS' and 'Ucom' have set up mobile service points. According to operators from the news outlet, 'Team Telecom Armenia' has already announced that it will provide free communication for the forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.

Sputnik Armenia tried to inquire about what offers other operators have for the Artsakh residents. The press spokesperson of 'Viva-MTS', Vahe Isahakyan, stated that they will have a suitable offer for the Artsakh residents, but further details will be announced later. Meanwhile, it has become known from Goris that some displaced individuals have been provided with free phone numbers.

'Ucom' also indicated that they would be making an announcement today, but did not wish to specify the content of the statement. 'We will definitely present a statement and offer that benefits the Artsakh Armenians,' said the company’s press secretary, Diana Mnatsakanyan.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on Artsakh on September 19. The Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire along the entire contact line, inflicting missile and artillery strikes. As a result of Azerbaijani aggression, there are at least 200 casualties and over 400 wounded.