Satellite internet will be available in Uzbekistan as early as 2026

Uzbekistan's Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov announced plans to launch satellite internet in 2026. The statement was made during the Digital Qazaqstan 2026 international forum, which took place in Shymkent.

According to him, the country's internet infrastructure has significantly improved in recent years: broadband internet coverage has increased from 41% to 99.5%. At the same time, the main focus is now shifting to remote and hard-to-reach settlements, where traditional fiber optic and mobile networks are either underdeveloped or completely absent.

The planned launch of satellite internet is seen as a tool for eliminating "white spots" in the digital infrastructure. This primarily concerns rural areas and remote regions where access to stable connectivity remains limited.

It is expected that with the successful implementation of the project, residents of such regions will be able to obtain stable internet access even without developed terrestrial infrastructure. This will help reduce the digital divide between major cities and peripheral areas, as well as expand opportunities for remote work, online education, telemedicine, and the use of digital government services.

This refers to a test launch, which may become the first stage of implementing satellite communication technologies in the country. In particular, solutions similar to global satellite internet systems, such as Starlink, which are already operating in several countries around the world, are being considered.

Thus, the launch of satellite internet in 2026 will become part of a broader strategy for the digital transformation of Uzbekistan, aimed at ensuring equal access to technology and developing the digital economy.

Source: IT Park Uzbekistan