Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - The creation of a modern telecommunications infrastructure is one of the most important factors in the development of the digital economy. In this context, the Ministry for the Development of Information Technologies and Communications is carrying out large-scale work.

Currently, the total throughput of international communication channels is 1800 Gb / s, and according to the results of projects planned for implementation by the end of 2022, this figure will be increased to 3200 Gb / s.

In 2021, the total throughput between regions and districts was increased by 1.5 times.

In order to develop telecommunication networks, an additional 50 thousand kilometers of fiber-optic lines were laid, and as a result, their total length was increased to 118 thousand kilometers, about 67 percent of settlements received access to high-speed communications. In subsequent years, work will continue to expand fiber-optic communication lines.

The total capacity of equipment for the provision of Internet services for the population has reached 3.6 million.

In order to develop mobile communications, the speed of the mobile Internet was increased by 1.5 times, and in 2021, 14,150 stations were installed. Thus, their total number was brought to 45890 units.

The tariff for operators and providers for Internet services was reduced by 42.9 percent compared to the same period last year and today is 30,000 soums per 1 Mbps.

To date, 95 percent of the settlements have gained access to the mobile Internet. About 54 percent of households are connected to high-speed Internet.

In order to accelerate the development of digital infrastructure, bridge the digital divide between cities and rural areas, improve the quality of services provided, a number of tasks have been identified.

In the next four years, work will be carried out to provide all the settlements of the republic with a fiber-optic network, access to a high-speed Internet network for all households, and coverage of all highways of international and national importance with mobile Internet.

Data storage and processing centers will be built in Bukhara, Ferghana and Tashkent regions.

In the republic, work will be carried out to support measures to develop the digital infrastructure of telecommunications operators, ease the tax burden and create benefits.

Measures will be taken to exempt telecommunications equipment, laptops from customs payments, and issue a State guarantee for foreign loans.

A competitive environment in the field of telecommunications will develop by issuing benefits and preferences to business entities operating in the field of ICT.

The attention paid by the head of state to this area is aimed at achieving the main goal - the provision of high-quality and modern telecommunication and digital services to the population, the creation of all opportunities for the development of the digital economy.