Satellite internet to be introduced in Uzbekistan from next year

Starting next year, satellite internet operators will begin operating in Uzbekistan to provide high-speed internet to remote areas. This was announced today, October 21, during a video conference chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the development of artificial intelligence technologies.

’’The important thing to understand is that the growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure across sectors and regions cannot be met solely through government funding,’’ the President said.

It was noted that under the second phase of the IT Park project, launched today, a 12-megawatt data center will be commissioned in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Data Volt company, at $150 million. In the next stage, the capacity is planned to reach 500 megawatts with an additional $3 billion investment.

Overall, it was emphasized that creating a more attractive environment for investors and expanding modern supercomputer clusters and data centers is crucial. Since 70% of the costs of such centers are related to electricity, investors have raised the issue of introducing more favorable energy tariffs.

The implementation of these initiatives will begin in Karakalpakstan. Investors who invest more than $100 million in artificial intelligence infrastructure will be offered electricity at a rate of 5 cents per kilowatt-hour, enjoy IT Park privileges, and be exempted from customs duties on imported equipment.

’’This will not only mark a major leap in this field but also make a worthy contribution to the economic development of Karakalpakstan,’’ the President said.

Additionally, starting next year, satellite internet operators will begin operating to provide high-speed internet access to remote areas. They will be exempt from land tax, property tax, profit tax, and value-added tax for five years.

As previously reported, during the same meeting, it was noted that AI-based services in Uzbekistan are valued at $10 billion, deputy ministers and sector heads will now also be responsible for AI development, and 99% of settlements in the country are already covered by mobile communication.