Uzbek newspaper 'Pravda Vostoka'
December 19

nformation access for large numbers of users is currently a major element for success in the struggle to develop the market and enhance the investment appeal and image of the [Uzbek telecommunications] industry and the company.

Uzbekistan's direct international communications channels in 28 directions enable automatic connection with 180 countries. More than 83 per cent of the channels are digital, and the network's data transfer capacity is capable of transferring information in quantities that are much greater than are currently being used. All the Regional centres in the republic have electronic switching equipment. A huge task has been accomplished: a digital traverse network has been created, including the use of fibreoptic cables and digital radio-relay communication lines. This modern transport network is currently being used up to 70 per cent of its full capacity. At the same time, the country is setting up new reserve lines.

There are 1.8m telephone numbers in the local telephone networks. Of these, 33 per cent are digital. The figure is over 60 per cent in Karakalpakstan [in the northeast of Uzbekistan] and in Bukhara, Navoi and Khorezm Regions. Fibreoptic cable is being increasingly used in intrazonal and interstation networks. Access to the network is becoming more convenient for users.

A total of 44 providers are supplying Internet services. The international channels' throughput capacity for Internet use is being increased. It has increased by 250 per cent since January 2001. About 1,500 organizations have Internet access, while the number of educational establishments, schools and colleges that have Internet access is increasing.

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