Subject topicality.Uzbekistan has been struggling to bring its telecom
system up to the standard found in developed countries. Although steadily
improving, the telecommunications infrastructure remains outmoded and
inadequate. However, since 2002 the situation has been gradually improving,
due largely to the government’s decision to priorities ICTs. Consequently there
has been an upward trend in the country’s telecom market over recent years,
with rising revenues and increased investment in infrastructure. Government
strategic policy is to privatize the incumbent operator Uzbektelecom and to open
the market to competition in accordance with the country’s aim to join the
World Trade Organization (WTO).Uzbek internet users are enjoying cheaper
and faster access than they have ever known.