Uzbekistan plans to test satellite internet in 2026. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov announced this at the international Digital Qazaqstan 2026 forum in Chimkent. He stated that over the past nine years, the country has achieved significant success in providing network connectivity, nearly fully resolving the issue of digital inequality.

The government leader emphasized that the main focus is now on implementing satellite technologies to reach remote regions. Aripov reported that broadband internet coverage in the country has already increased from 41% to 99.5%. These indicators reflect Uzbekistan's rapid development in digitalization.

“We are solving the task of connecting remote areas — the launch of satellite internet in a test mode is planned for this very year, and a package of tax incentives has been formed for its operators,” said the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. These incentives include exemptions from land, property, income, and VAT taxes for a period of five years.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev previously announced that starting from 2026, satellite internet operators providing high-speed access in the country's remote areas will begin operations. This project is a significant step in developing digital infrastructure in Central Asia.

In early October, Uzbekistan reached a preliminary agreement with Amazon to launch satellite internet. The Ministry of Digital Technologies and Amazon Kuiper Commercial Service signed a memorandum of understanding. This cooperation helps strengthen the country's ties with global technology companies.

The development of satellite internet in Central Asia continues. In August 2024, Kazakhstan became the first country in the region to launch Starlink satellite internet from Elon Musk's SpaceX. In October, Tajikistan also signed a contract with Starlink. The system's launch in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan is expected in 2025–2026, although Uzbekistan's connection was initially planned for 2023.

Source: www.gazeta.uz