Tajikistan is expanding its international fiber-optic network, including a direct connection to China, to improve internet speed, reduce costs, and enhance digital connectivity.

Current International Fiber-Optic Connectivity

Tajikistan's telecommunications infrastructure relies heavily on cross-border fiber-optic cables connecting the country to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan, which serve as its primary links to the global internet . Despite these connections, the domestic fiber backbone is limited, and fixed-line broadband penetration remains extremely low, with only about 6,000 subscriptions nationwide as of 2025, representing roughly 0.07% of the population . Most internet users access the web via mobile networks, which cover over 70% of the population with 4G LTE .

Fiber-Optic Project with China

A major development is the construction of a high-speed fiber-optic line connecting Tajikistan directly to China along the route Dushanbe-Kulob-Darvoz-Rushon-Khorog-Kulma . This project involves laying a 48-layer optical cable, with over 100 km already installed in Shamsiddin Shokhin and Darvaz districts . Once completed, this connection will:

• Increase internet bandwidth and reduce costs for both mobile and fixed-line services .
• Enhance internet speed and reliability across the country .
• Eliminate communication isolation, improving Tajikistan's transit potential for international data traffic .

Strategic and Policy Context

The fiber-optic expansion aligns with Tajikistan's Communications Development Strategy through 2040 and the Digital Economy programs (2019–2040 and 2025–2030), which aim to modernize the ICT sector, expand broadband coverage, implement 5G, and develop digital services . The government is actively encouraging domestic and foreign investment in digital infrastructure, including fiber-optic networks, data centers, and satellite capabilities . International organizations such as the ITU and Universal Postal Union are supporting these initiatives .

Challenges and Complementary Solutions

Despite these projects, Tajikistan faces challenges due to mountainous terrain, limited domestic fiber, and high internet costs. The government has historically monopolized international bandwidth through Tajiktelecom, inflating prices for ISPs . To address connectivity gaps, satellite broadband solutions like SES's O3b mPOWER and potential Starlink deployment are being explored to reach rural areas and improve access .

Impact on Internet Access

The new fiber-optic links, particularly the China connection, are expected to:

• Lower internet costs for consumers and operators .
• Increase internet speeds, supporting mobile and fixed broadband expansion .
• Enable broader digital services, including e-government, digital finance, and education initiatives . Overall, Tajikistan's foreign fiber-optic projects represent a significant step toward integrating the country into global digital networks, improving connectivity, and supporting the nation's digital transformation goals.