Expanding connectivity throughout Afghanistan, Dr. Ehsan Bayat has led Telephone Systems International since 1998. In 2002, Dr. Bayat oversaw the launch of Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC), which was the country’s first dedicated mobile services provider. AWCC now provides almost four million Afghan subscribers with quality Internet and cellular services. For the past seven years, Dr. Ehsan Bayat has additionally led the Ariana Television Network and its radio affiliate, Ariana Radio 93.5 FM.
Founded by Dr. Ehsan Bayat, the network broadcasts transmissions in three languages and focuses on educational and news content. Currently reaching more than 25 million viewers and listeners via traditional free-to-air transmissions, the network also has satellite broadcast capacities that enable worldwide viewership. Among the programs offered are educational children’s programs as well as content offering practical business, language, and computer skills training.
A committed philanthropist as well as a statesman, Dr. Ehsan Bayat devotes time and effort to leading the Bayat Foundation in collaboration with his wife, Fatema. This nongovernmental organization has built numerous Afghan hospitals and clinics, including maternity hospitals that have served hundreds of thousands of mothers and infants.
In 2008, Dr. Bayat was honored with a Man of the Year Award from Afghan-Americans in California and received an honorary doctorate from the American University of Afghanistan in 2012. After earning his B.S. in Engineering, Dr. Ehsan Bayat led a number of American companies in the New York area prior to establishing his global business.