Mobile communication and internet services in Uzbekistan have improved significantly in recent years, offering a variety of options for both locals and visitors. Here’s a guide to the main mobile operators, internet plans, and how to get connected.
Ucell
Ucell is one of the leading mobile operators in Uzbekistan. It offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans, including options for mobile data, international calls, and domestic communication. Ucell has a wide coverage network across the country, especially in urban areas, and offers high-speed 3G and 4G services in many regions.
Beeline Uzbekistan
Beeline is another major mobile operator, part of the international VEON group. Beeline offers affordable mobile services with competitive pricing for calls, SMS, and mobile internet. It provides 3G and 4G coverage in many cities and towns, and offers a variety of data packages for both prepaid and postpaid customers.
Mobiuz
Mobiuz is the newest mobile operator in Uzbekistan, previously known as UMS, Universal Mobile Systems. It provides 3G and 4G internet services and has a solid presence in both urban and rural areas. Mobiuz focuses on affordable mobile data and has a range of tariff plans suitable for different customer needs.
Uzmobile
Uzmobile is a mobile telecommunications service provider in Uzbekistan. As one of the leading mobile operators in the country, Uzmobile offers a range of services including voice communication, text messaging, and mobile internet across Uzbekistan.
Internet services and data plans
All mobile operators in Uzbekistan offer competitive internet plans, including options for daily, weekly, and monthly data usage. You can choose between prepaid and postpaid plans depending on your needs. Mobile data speeds are generally good in larger cities, with 3G and 4G coverage expanding in more rural areas.
How to сonnect
1. Here’s how you can get connected to mobile services in Uzbekistan: buy a SIM card. You can purchase a local SIM card from any official mobile operator's store, or from authorized vendors in shopping malls, airports, and kiosks. To activate your SIM card, you will need to present your passport or national ID card for registration.
2. Choose a plan. After purchasing your SIM card, you can choose from a range of prepaid or postpaid plans that best suit your needs. Each operator offers various packages with options for calls, texts, and mobile internet.
3. Top-up your balance. Mobile operators offer convenient ways to top-up your account, such as through cash payments at kiosks, via online banking, or using mobile apps. Many operators also allow recharging your balance through USSD codes.
4. Activate internet services. Once your SIM card is active, you can purchase a mobile internet package. Internet packages can be activated through the operator’s mobile app, by sending a specific SMS code, or by dialing a USSD code. For most users, unlimited data packages or daily data bundles are the most convenient options.
5. Roaming services. If you're visiting Uzbekistan from abroad, make sure to check with your home mobile operator for roaming options and charges before traveling, to avoid unexpected costs.
Public Wi-Fi and internet cafes
In addition to mobile internet, you can find free Wi-Fi in many cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Additionally, internet cafes are still quite popular in some areas, offering access to both the internet and computers.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan's mobile communication and internet services are growing rapidly, offering competitive pricing and good coverage. Whether you’re staying for a short visit or living in the country long-term, getting connected is straightforward, with a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.