Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The mobile network operator Vodafone is planning to enter the Uzbek market, as announced by entrepreneur Farhod Mamatjanov during a meeting with the President on 20 August in Nukus.

Farhod Mamatjanov, the founder of the textile company UzTex Group and the main shareholder of InfinBank, also owns several other businesses.

He mentioned that his companies have begun collaborating with the British operator Vodafone, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, to introduce 5G Standalone mobile communication in Uzbekistan.

"We have privatized the company Perfectum. After conducting research within the bank, we concluded that high-quality internet is essential to reach private entrepreneurs at the grassroots level. In partnership with Uzcard, we have started implementing a revolutionary plan—creating the Vodafone company. If everything goes according to plan, the launch will take place next year," said Mamatjanov.

He stated that the project is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025, with an investment volume of 250 million euros. Mamatjanov added that the Finnish company Nokia will participate in the project as a supplier of equipment and technologies, emphasizing that equipment deliveries have already begun, and installation work is actively underway.

To implement the project, 100 million euros were attracted through "Uzpromstroybank" from the Finnish Export Agency. Additionally, the founders secured an extra 150 million euros for the project.

"Previously, the market consisted only of foreign and state-owned mobile companies. Now, we are creating a national mobile operator," Mamatjanov stressed.

He also noted that Vodafone thoroughly studied the Uzbek market before entering it. Furthermore, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (e& — Etisalat) will participate in the project as a technical partner.

In October 2023, it was reported that Perfectum, in collaboration with Nokia, would introduce 5G Standalone technology in Uzbekistan.

In March 2024, Uzbek media reported the privatization of the mobile operator Perfectum. LLC Rubicon Wireless Communication, the current owner of Perfectum, is 100% owned by entrepreneur Abdumalik Iminov. However, official bodies did not release information about the privatization.

Perfectum and Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (e&) became partners under the Partner Market Programme, aimed at implementing innovations and developing Perfectum’s digital infrastructure and technological capabilities.