Tajikistan is taking a major step toward digital transformation with the official arrival of Starlink, the global satellite internet service developed by SpaceX.
The announcement was a centerpiece of the “Dushanbe Invest-2025” International Investment Forum, where the government unveiled a series of groundbreaking agreements aimed at modernizing the country’s digital landscape, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.
At the forum, the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan signed eight strategic cooperation and investment agreements with prominent international and regional technology firms. These deals span critical sectors including 5G development, satellite internet, digital education, and cross-border digital cooperation.
Starlink Launch Set to Transform Connectivity
A highlight of the forum was the signing of a licensing agreement with "Starlink Tajikistan", officially launching Starlink services in the country. Utilizing a vast constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink will deliver high-speed, low-latency internet, particularly benefitting remote and mountainous regions where traditional connectivity remains limited.
The service, developed by SpaceX, aims to close the global digital divide by bringing broadband to underserved and geographically challenging areas. Starlink works by transmitting internet signals between user terminals, satellites in orbit, and ground-based gateways linked to the global internet.
Developing Talent and Strengthening Digital Infrastructure
In a parallel effort to build domestic tech capacity, Tajikistan signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a “School 21” programming academy. The initiative, launched in cooperation with Russia’s Sberbank and the Agency for Innovation and Digital Technologies, will train the next generation of software engineers and IT professionals.
Meanwhile, the state-owned telecom operator Tojiktelecom entered a commercial partnership with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC). This agreement will allow Tajikistan to route internet traffic through Pakistan, significantly improving international connectivity and redundancy.
Laying the Groundwork for 5G and Cybersecurity
To accelerate the rollout of next-generation mobile services, the Communications Service and national mobile operators agreed to form a national 5G consortium, which will oversee the coordinated deployment of 5G infrastructure across Tajikistan.
Additionally, new agreements valued at 15 million euros were signed with:
Eutelsat Group
Huawei Technologies Tajikistan
ROHDE & SCHWARZ GmbH (Germany)
These partnerships will focus on enhancing satellite communication capabilities, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, and establishing a National Radio Monitoring Center to support regulatory oversight and spectrum management.
Expanding Regional Digital Cooperation
Tajikistan also deepened its regional collaboration by signing a bilateral digital cooperation agreement with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies. The agreement aims to promote cross-border innovation, digital alignment, and broader regional integration in Central Asia.
All agreements were signed by Isfandiyor Sadullo, Head of Tajikistan’s Communications Service, alongside senior government officials and private sector representatives.
A Turning Point for Tajikistan’s Digital Ambitions
Government officials described the flurry of agreements as a historic milestone in Tajikistan’s digital development journey. With enhanced internet access, modernized infrastructure, and strengthened international partnerships, the country is now better positioned to leap into the digital age and establish itself as a growing technology hub in the region.
