10-07-202656
In recent years, the development of the digital economy and modernisation of information and communication technologies have emerged as a priority direction of state policy in Uzbekistan. This process is inextricably linked to the country's strategic objectives — sustainable economic growth, improving the living standards of the population, and achieving global competitiveness.
The reforms implemented during 2019–2025 were aimed not only at the technical modernisation of the telecommunications sector, but also at strengthening its legal and economic foundations. Through a series of government decisions and programmes, a favourable business environment was created for telecommunications operators, the internet infrastructure was expanded, and special attention was paid to improving the quality of digital services. An important aspect of this process is that digital reforms create conveniences in daily life for local residents while simultaneously offering tourists modern infrastructure. The expansion of Wi-Fi access points in tourist areas, the broadening of mobile internet coverage, and the simplified procedure for purchasing SIM cards enhance Uzbekistan's appeal as a tourist destination.
Thus, the reforms of 2019–2025 clearly demonstrate the dynamics of the country's digital development. The improvement in internet speed and quality, the introduction of satellite communication systems, tax incentives for operators, and the diversification of digital services are transforming Uzbekistan into one of the leading countries in digital transformation in Central Asia.
Reforms in Telecommunications Operators and Infrastructure
A number of reforms have been implemented in the telecommunications sector of Uzbekistan. This process is aimed at accelerating the country's transition to a digital economy, creating equal opportunities for the population and business, and ensuring global competitiveness.
Satellite internet systems. With the aim of ensuring internet coverage in remote and mountainous areas, achieving digital equality, and creating opportunities for the population to access modern services, the launch of Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink satellite system is expected in 2026. Furthermore, in March of this year, agreements were signed at the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan under the European Union Digital Connectivity programme for Central Asia (TEI Digital Connectivity).
Rules for the provision of telecommunications services. The updated rules adopted in 2020 strengthened the legal framework for regulating mobile communications, internet, and roaming services. This laid the groundwork for improving the transparency of operators' activities, protecting consumer rights, and enhancing the quality of services. Attention was simultaneously paid to reducing service costs through the enhancement of a competitive environment.
Infrastructure modernisation. During 2019–2025, fibre-optic networks were expanded, and modern data centres were constructed in urban and district centres. Investments were also attracted for the creation of supercomputer clusters. This infrastructure has important significance not only for improving internet speed and quality, but also for ensuring national digital security. Modern data centres became the primary technological base for the stable operation of e-government systems, online services, and business platforms.
Conveniences for the Population
The digital reforms implemented during 2019–2025 had a direct and tangible impact on the lifestyle of the population. This process not only expanded the possibilities for accessing the internet, but also simplified and modernised many everyday processes.
Share of the population using the internet. Whereas the share of internet users in 2019 was approximately 76.6%, by 2025 this indicator had reached 94.2%. This growth is inextricably linked to the expansion of the internet infrastructure in the country, the introduction of LTE and 5G technologies by mobile operators, and the launch of satellite internet services. The increase in the number of internet users created a foundation for improving digital literacy among the population and for the widespread use of modern information technologies.
E-government system. The possibility of receiving government services online created significant conveniences for the population. Through the e-government system, various services were simplified — tax payments, utility services, and procedures for obtaining licences and permits. This became an important factor in saving citizens' time and reducing bureaucratic barriers. Simultaneously, the level of transparency and accountability in the activities of government bodies increased.
Digital payments and mobile applications. The migration of banking services to digital platforms considerably simplified financial operations for the population. Payments, money transfers, and online purchases via mobile applications became widespread. This process formed a culture of using digital financial services among the population and contributed to a reduction in the share of cash circulation in the economy. Furthermore, the range of services provided through mobile applications expanded, and the necessity for the population to visit banks decreased noticeably.
Impact on public life. The expansion of opportunities for using the internet and digital services formed new cultural and social trends in the lifestyle of the population. For instance, the possibilities for acquiring knowledge through online educational platforms expanded, obtaining medical consultations through telemedicine was simplified, and the processes of information exchange and the formation of public opinion through social networks accelerated.
Conveniences for Tourists
The expansion of digital infrastructure acquired special significance in the development of the tourism sector in Uzbekistan. The reforms implemented in 2019–2025 were aimed at creating modern and convenient digital services for tourists visiting the country. This process not only enhanced tourist attractiveness, but also contributed to increasing the share of tourism in the country's digital economy.
Wi-Fi networks. The installation of Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, and railway stations was established as a mandatory requirement. This created the possibility for tourists to connect quickly and free of charge to the internet. In particular, such conveniences in the transport and tourist infrastructure became an important factor in improving the country's international image.
Special SIM cards. Special SIM cards for tourists were introduced by national mobile operators. These were offered as an affordable and convenient alternative to expensive roaming services. Tourists gained the opportunity to use mobile communications and the internet immediately upon arrival in the country, which considerably facilitated their daily movements.
Tourist portals and mobile applications. Through tourist portals and mobile applications, online booking, electronic map, and mobile guide services were expanded. This provided tourists with the opportunity to book hotels, transport, and travel services in advance. At the same time, through electronic maps and mobile guide applications, they gained the opportunity to receive prompt information about the country's cultural and historical sites.
Economic and social impact. The expansion of digital infrastructure in the tourism sector had a positive impact on the country's economy. The creation of conveniences for tourists increased their level of satisfaction, which contributed to an increase in tourist flows. Simultaneously, transparency and efficiency in the tourism sector were ensured through digital services.
Harmony with International Experience
The reforms implemented in Uzbekistan were carried out in harmony with global digital transformation processes. In this process, the experience of European and Asian countries was adopted as the primary reference.
European models. The experience of European countries was taken as the basis in introducing satellite internet systems. In particular, the practice of Germany, France, and Scandinavian states in ensuring coverage in remote areas through satellite internet served as a model for Uzbekistan. Through these models, the goal was set of achieving digital equality and ensuring internet services in all regions of the country.
Asian experience. The experience of South Korea and Singapore was applied in developing digital infrastructure. South Korea's practice of rapidly introducing 5G networks and Singapore's experience in effectively organising state governance through digital services served as a source of inspiration for reforms in Uzbekistan. This experience was of great importance in increasing internet speed, developing the e-government system, and expanding the range of digital services for the population.
Harmony with global trends. The reforms implemented in Uzbekistan were oriented in accordance with the trends of the international digital economy. This contributed to the country's approach towards global standards in digital infrastructure development and to the improvement of its positions in international rankings.
Economic and social impact. Through the harmonisation of international experience, the opportunity was created to improve the quality of digital services in Uzbekistan, attract investments, and improve the living standards of the population. Simultaneously, the opportunities for using digital services in the tourism and business sectors expanded.
The reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in the field of telecommunications and internet infrastructure development not only accelerate the development of the national digital economy, but also directly serve the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The introduction of fibre-optic networks, data centres, and satellite internet systems has formed modern infrastructure in the country. This has become an important factor in supporting innovation and developing the digital economy.
SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities. Ensuring coverage in remote and mountainous areas through satellite internet has contributed to achieving digital equality. This is an important step in reducing the gap in digital opportunities between urban and rural populations.
SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth. The widespread adoption of digital services and mobile applications has contributed to the creation of new jobs, the development of entrepreneurship in the IT sector, and ensuring economic growth.
The reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in the telecommunications and internet sectors serve not only to develop the national digital economy, but also to achieve the SDG objectives. The expansion of digital infrastructure, the creation of conveniences for the population and tourists, the achievement of digital equality, and the support of innovations represent important steps on the country's path towards sustainable development.
Chief Specialist, Centre for Sustainable Development
Shukhrat Khojimrodov