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If you plan to live, work, or study in Uzbekistan, one of your first tasks will be setting up mobile communication and internet access. Staying connected is essential for navigating the city, keeping in touch with family abroad, and handling daily tasks such as online payments and booking taxis.
The telecommunications sector in Uzbekistan is rapidly improving, but there are still differences compared to many Western or developed Asian countries. This guide covers the main mobile operators, internet options, SIM card registration rules, and tips on getting the best service for your needs.
There are several main mobile service providers:
Beeline Uzbekistan – Widely used, good coverage, and reliable mobile internet.
Ucell – Popular among locals, offers affordable data packages.
Uzmobile – State-owned company, strong coverage in rural areas, often better for calls than for data.
Mobiuz – Competitive prices for combined calls + internet packages.
💡 Tip: Before choosing a provider, check the network coverage in your area and compare internet speeds, as performance can vary.
In Uzbekistan, all SIM cards must be registered to your passport. Foreign citizens are usually required to present:
Original passport
Valid visa or residence permit
Sometimes proof of a local address (hotel booking or rental agreement)
Registration is done at the operator’s official store and usually takes 5–15 minutes.
⚠️ Note: Buying SIM cards from unofficial street vendors is risky — they may register it incorrectly, which can lead to service suspension.
Mobile internet in Tashkent is mostly 4G/5G, though in rural areas it may drop to 3G.
Basic data plans: $5–$8/month for 25–75 GB
Unlimited plans: $15–$25/month (speed may be limited after a certain amount of usage)
Home internet: Fiber connections are available in most urban areas from providers such as Uztelecom, Comnet, and Sarkor Telecom. Prices range from $10 to $50/month depending on speed.
Most cafes, coworking spaces, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Public hotspots exist in some parks and metro stations, but speeds are inconsistent.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive transactions without a VPN.
Bring an unlocked phone — some foreign devices may not work on all local networks.
Test different providers if you plan to travel frequently outside of Tashkent.
Use apps like Speedtest.net / fast.com to monitor internet quality.
Install a VPN before arrival, as some websites and services may load slower or be restricted.
Always top up your balance through official apps or terminals to avoid fraud.
For foreigners, getting a SIM card and internet in Uzbekistan is straightforward but requires in-person passport registration. While Tashkent offers reliable 4G coverage and competitive prices, service quality may vary in smaller towns or rural regions. With the right provider and plan, staying connected in Uzbekistan can be both affordable and efficient — but you should be prepared for occasional slowdowns, especially during peak evening hours.
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