The newly created country of South Sudan has been allocated the .SS country code by an International Telecommunications Union special council of Ministers resolution. South Sudan came into being as a nation on 9 July when it officially separated from the Republic of Sudan following a referendum of people in the former Sudan. The .SS country code will soon be issued Madut Biar Yel, Minister for Telecommunications and Postal Services, told BNO News. Biar said the ministry has applied for the ccTLD but did not have a date when it would be formalised. “A country code may seem like a small thing, but it is a real signifier of sovereignty and independence,” said Dr Hamadoun Touré, Secretary General, ITU, speaking of the allocation of the international dialling code 211. Much the same could be said, and in this day and age probably even more so, of the importance of the allocation of the .SS country code Top Level Domain as this is instantly recognisable. “We join with the international community in congratulating the government and people of South Sudan on achieving full nationhood. As a young developing country there will be challenges, but the power of modern connectivity will bring a tremendous boost in areas such as commerce, health and education. ITU is here to help with advice on the necessary steps towards improved connectivity.”
