DUSHANBE, 12.07.2026 (NIAT Khovar) – The average speed of mobile internet in Tajikistan has increased nearly fivefold over the past year, rising from 7.2 Mbps at the beginning of 2025 to 35.4 Mbps in 2026, Head of the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan Isfandiyori Sa’dullo announced during a press conference on July 8.

Fixed broadband speeds have also improved, reaching an average of 48.71 Mbps. According to the Communications Service, the government aims to increase this figure to 100 Mbps within the next two years as part of the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Officials also announced that satellite internet provider Starlink has officially begun operations in Tajikistan, expanding access to high-speed internet services, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach regions of the country.

The launch of Starlink is expected to contribute to the development of digital infrastructure and improve nationwide connectivity, supporting the government’s broader efforts to modernize the telecommunications sector and accelerate the digitalization of the economy.

During the press conference, journalists raised concerns regarding the affordability of the new service, noting that many residents consider the cost of Starlink equipment and monthly subscriptions to be too high for widespread adoption, particularly in rural areas and among middle-income households.

Starlink’s primary objective is to provide high-speed internet access in regions where traditional fiber-optic or mobile communication networks are limited or unavailable.

To use the service, customers are required to purchase a hardware package consisting of a satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, power supply unit and connecting cables. Once installed, the equipment connects directly to Starlink satellites, providing internet access without the need for terrestrial cable infrastructure or mobile communication towers.

According to the Communications Service, the purchase of equipment, registration procedures and information on service conditions and tariffs are available directly through Starlink’s official website, while prices are determined by the company’s commercial policy.

Users can independently register and activate their equipment. The registration process requires personal information, including passport details, taxpayer identification number, telephone number and payment card information for subscription payments.

The Communications Service also advised users operating previously unregistered equipment to complete the official registration procedure and ensure compliance with Tajik legislation, warning that service restrictions or suspension may otherwise be imposed by the provider.

The agency stated that it will continue monitoring the use and operation of satellite internet services in the country as part of its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities.