Abdulla Aripov: Uzbekistan to debut satellite internet services for remote regions in 2026

The announcement comes amid a period of rapid digital expansion for the country. Over the past nine years, Uzbekistan’s broadband internet coverage has surged from 41% to 99.5%, while network throughput has increased fortyfold. According to the Prime Minister, the consolidation of e-government systems into a single data center has already resulted in a 30% reduction in budget expenditures. Currently, the government is finalizing the deployment of a large-scale computing cluster designed to support national artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and transition pilot projects into industrial-scale operations.

The integration of AI is already showing results in the industrial sector. Prime Minister Aripov highlighted the recently launched Copper Concentration Plant No. 3 at the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) as a prime example of "smart" solutions. The facility features a digital circuit connecting more than 60 systems and 20,000 sensors, allowing for real-time intelligent analysis of the entire production chain. To further this momentum, the government has established an Artificial Intelligence Alliance and is opening 19 specialized research and training laboratories.

Uzbekistan’s startup ecosystem has also seen exponential growth, with its total value reaching $4 billion – a stark contrast to the $1 million valuation recorded a decade ago. At present, 800 startup projects are active in the country, with 60 already exporting their services. The combined capital of venture funds in the Republic has now approached $350 million. These efforts have culminated in Uzbekistan securing 9th place globally in the World Bank’s ranking for the digital maturity of government administration.

While the Prime Minister’s announcement focused on the 2026 rollout, the move aligns with earlier statements by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev regarding the entry of international satellite operators. Although the specific providers were not named in the Shymkent address, Starlink’s official coverage map previously indicated a 2026 launch window for Uzbekistan following several prior adjustments to the schedule.