Internet accessibility will increase, but this will not affect the overall cost.
Last week, at the International Investment Forum “Dushanbe Invest–2025,” the Communications Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan signed a license agreement with Starlink Tajikistan (SpaceX) to launch Starlink operations in the country.
Asia-Plus spoke with Tajiktelecom CEO Bakhtovar Abdusattorzoda about the details of the agreement and how it will impact internet quality, cost, and availability, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Internet access will increase, but this will not affect the overall cost.
The official announcement from the Communications Service states that the agreement will provide the country with access to the global satellite internet network. Please provide details of the agreement.
This contract is primarily aimed at connecting residents of hard-to-reach mountainous and border regions of the country to satellite internet, where the installation of traditional infrastructure (fiber-optic lines, cables) is difficult due to the mountainous terrain and low population density.
The launch of the high-quality Starlink network thus opens new horizons for regional digitalization.
This is one of the key objectives not only within the framework of this agreement, but also of the entire strategy of the Communications Service and Tajiktelecom OJSC.
Over time, next-generation satellite communications will provide equal access to online education, stimulate the development of small businesses (e-commerce and POS payments), and help launch large enterprises by providing access to cloud services on par with central offices—even in remote regions.
Are there any provisions in the contract for free connection to schools and hospitals? For example, in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, the possibility of free connection to schools in remote areas has been under discussion for several years.
When talking about connecting hard-to-reach areas to high-speed internet, we are primarily talking about government and social institutions – schools, hospitals, and rural administrations.
Let me remind you that 2025–2030 have been declared the Years of Digital Economy and Innovation Development in Tajikistan.
Therefore, special attention is being paid to developing communications in remote areas to provide online government services, develop telemedicine, distance education, create remote workplaces, implement digital agricultural technologies, support farmers and businesses, and stimulate start-ups and digital services outside of cities.
Will the arrival of Starlink change the quality and cost of internet in the country?
Starlink satellite internet operates through a network of low-orbit satellites, which reduces signal latency. Users in other countries connected to Starlink report speeds ranging from tens to hundreds of megabits per second, depending on conditions.
As for the cost, this will not directly affect the overall price of the Internet in the country.
It’s important to understand that satellite communications technologies, including equipment, are more expensive than traditional channels. However, thanks to ongoing negotiations, equipment costs and tariffs will be determined based on market and regional realities.
Tajiktelecom will monitor quality and safety
Can mobile operators and internet providers directly purchase internet from Starlink to provide their subscribers in mountainous areas? Or will all agreements be concluded through the Communications Service or Tajiktelecom?
– In many countries, external global operators, such as Starlink, operate through a national partner – a state-owned company or a national telecom operator.
In our case, this is Tajiktelecom OJSC.
This model allows the state to control traffic, ensure cybersecurity, regulate tariffs and ensure compliance with national legislation.
All commercial agreements with providers will be conducted through Tajiktelecom. This will ensure control over service quality, pricing policy, bandwidth allocation, and national security issues.
Are there any regulatory restrictions or requirements for Starlink’s operation in Tajikistan?
All terms and conditions for the provision of services and the operation of the Starlink network in the country are stipulated in the relevant clauses of the agreement and will be approved by the regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Tajikistan.
When will ordinary citizens of Tajikistan be able to use Starlink services? What is required? Where and how can they purchase the equipment?
Starlink Tajikistan is currently undergoing all necessary registration procedures. Once this stage is completed, equipment prices, tariffs, and other terms and conditions related to connection, payment, and technical aspects will be announced.
