Uzbekistan opens direct international internet access to telecom operators

The Cabinet of Ministers has published a resolution outlining a phased liberalization of the telecommunications market and the creation of a competitive environment.

The document aims to stimulate investment activity among operators and improve the procedures for connecting to international internet networks while ensuring information and national security.

Under the resolution, telecom operators operating in Uzbekistan with mobile or fixed networks are granted the right to direct connections to international internet networks in a pilot mode until 1 January 2030. These connections can be used both to serve subscribers and for the operators’ own commercial purposes.

The Ministry of Digital Technologies has been designated as the coordinating body for these connections, with the Republican Center for Telecommunication Network Management (RCTNM) serving as the operational body.

In coordination with the Center for Electronic Technology Development, the State Security Service, and the Cybersecurity Center, the ministry must submit a draft resolution to the government by 1 July 2028 to improve the procedures for operators’ direct connections.

To participate in the pilot program, operators must:

• meet the temporary requirements and conditions set out in the appendix to the resolution;
• conclude an agreement with the operational body detailing monitoring procedures, rights and obligations, and measures of responsibility for violations.

The Ministry of Digital Technologies is responsible for:

• developing programs for the expansion of international internet networks and related regulatory documents;
• creating equal conditions for all operators;
• cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure information and cybersecurity;
• reviewing operator applications for participation in the pilot within one month and deciding on contract approval or providing justified refusal.

The government also approved temporary requirements for telecom companies seeking direct access to international internet networks for their own commercial purposes. Access will be provided through special connection centers (CICs).

Key conditions include:

• operators must have backbone fiber-optic networks covering at least 50% of the country, including remote regions, along with their own infrastructure to reduce the digital divide;
• project documentation (network description and diagram, CIC construction plan, infrastructure development plan) must be submitted to the RCTNM;
• documents must be approved by the Ministry of Digital Technologies, State Security Service, Center for Electronic Technology Development, and Cybersecurity Center.

The director and key engineers of each CIC must be Uzbek citizens. Staff must include specialists in lawful interception, information and cybersecurity, and at least four representatives of authorized authorities. Operations will be financed by the operator.

Technical requirements include:

• a minimum of two CICs in different regions;
• redundancy for international connection points and main nodes;
• equipment from at least two manufacturers in different countries;
• possession of an autonomous system (AS) and IP address blocks;
• port load not exceeding 70%;
• backup power with priority for “green technologies”;
• certification of hardware and software for handling confidential information.

In cases of emergencies or security threats, the activity of CICs may be limited or suspended by authorized bodies.