New telecom rules allow free tariff changes and extend number deactivation period

Mobile phone subscribers in Uzbekistan can now switch between tariff plans free of charge, and the period before a number is deactivated for non-payment has been extended from two months to one year, under recently updated telecommunications regulations.

The Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Technologies, has officially registered a new edition of the Rules for the Provision of Telecommunications Services. The revised rules introduce a series of measures aimed at improving convenience for subscribers and strengthening consumer protections.

Under the updated regulations, mobile operators are required to keep a subscriber’s number active for up to one year if the account balance is insufficient to continue service. Previously, numbers could be deactivated and contracts terminated after just two months of non-payment.

Subscribers can now also change their current tariff plan to any other plan free of charge, except for special tariffs designed for specific user groups or limited geographic areas.

Telecom operators are obliged to notify subscribers of any changes to existing tariff conditions at least 15 days in advance. Notifications can be sent through the media, the operator’s official website, or via SMS.

To enhance accessibility, the new rules provide for outreach services for citizens unable to visit service centers in person. Mobile service units will also operate in remote and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring broader coverage and easier access to telecom services.