Uzbekistan to introduce satellite internet operators in remote areas from 2026

At a meeting on October 21, it was noted that investors who contribute more than $100 million to AI infrastructure in Uzbekistan will be granted special benefits.

“One thing must be understood: the growing demand for AI infrastructure in networks and regions cannot be met solely at the state’s expense,” the president said.

Within the second phase of the IT Park project, which officially started today, a 12 MW data center will be launched in partnership with Saudi company Data Volt, funded with $150 million. In subsequent phases, an additional $3 billion will be invested to increase total capacity to 500 MW.

The president emphasized the need to create a more attractive environment for investors and to increase the number of modern supercomputer clusters and data centers.

As 70 percent of such centers’ expenses relate to electricity, investors raised the issue of attractive electricity tariffs. Work in this area will begin in Karakalpakstan. Investors who contribute more than $100 million to AI infrastructure will pay 5 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity, enjoy IT Park incentives, and have imported equipment exempted from customs duties.

“This will not only enable a major leap in this sector but also make a significant contribution to the development of the Karakalpakstan economy,” the head of state said.

Additionally, to provide high-speed internet to remote regions, satellite internet operators will begin operating next year. These operators will be exempt from land, property, profit, and value-added taxes for five years.

For context, in August 2024, Kazakhstan became the first Central Asian country to launch Starlink satellite internet from Elon Musk’s SpaceX. In October 2025, Tajikistan signed a similar agreement with Starlink. The system is expected to be launched in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan between 2025 and 2026.