The number of installed main lines shows the total capacity of the network, i.e., the maximum number of main lines that can be connected. However, it is clear that not all the installed main lines are always in service. Therefore other indicators, related to the number of installed main lines, should be considered. One such indicator is the number of main lines in operation. Table 3.2 shows the number of main lines in operation in Iran in different years.
Comparing the numbers in Tables 3.1 and 3.2, one observes that the percentage of operational main lines decreased during the first five-year plan while it has started increasing in the second five-year plan. This is in fact due to a higher growth rate for new line installations, and the reduced time it takes for the new lines to become operational. Also note that the number of main lines in service by March 1999 rose to 7,354,000, which shows about 10.5% increase as compared with the corresponding figure in 1998.
Another indicator, which is an important measure of accessibility, is the number of main lines per 100 inhabitants. This indicator is called the telephone penetration factor. Table 3.3 shows the number of main lines per 100 inhabitants in Iran in different years. Despite rapid population growth during the war years (approaching 3.8%), this figure has been increasing steadily (Iran's current population growth rate stands at about 1.4%).
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While the projection of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the number of main lines per 100 inhabitants in Iran in the year 2000 is about 17.03, there were only about 13 main lines per 100 inhabitants by March 1999.
As another indicator of telecom network usage profile, we can look at the percentage of main lines which are serving residential households. This clearly excludes public telephone stations and lines used for business, government or any other professional purposes. Table 3.4 shows the percentage of main lines for residential use in Iran.
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Finally we should note that the percentage of main lines, which are equipped for direct international dialing, has been steadily increasing as well. Specifically, in 1992, only about 39.2% of main lines had direct international dialing capability, while this number rose to about 80% in 1995, and is projected to be close to 90% now.