Currency code:
UZS
Exchange rates:
Uzbekistani sums per US dollar - 115.9 (2003), 125.3 (2002), NA
(2001), 236.608 (2000), 124.625 (1999)
Fiscal year:
calendar year
Communications Uzbekistan
Telephones - main lines in use:
1,717,100 (2003)
Telephones - mobile cellular:
320,800 (2003)
Telephone system:
general assessment: antiquated and inadequate; in serious need of
modernization
domestic: the domestic telephone system is being expanded and
technologically improved, particularly in Tashkent (Toshkent) and
Samarqand, under contracts with prominent companies in
industrialized countries; moreover, by 1998, six cellular networks
had been placed in operation - four of the GSM type (Global System
for Mobile Communication), one D-AMPS type (Digital Advanced Mobile
Phone System), and one AMPS type (Advanced Mobile Phone System)
international: country code - 998; linked by landline or microwave
radio relay with CIS member states and to other countries by leased
connection via the Moscow international gateway switch; after the
completion of the Uzbek link to the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE)
fiber-optic cable, Uzbekistan will be independent of Russian
facilities for international communications; Inmarsat also provides
an international connection, albeit an expensive one; satellite
earth stations - NA (1998)
Radio broadcast stations:
AM 20, FM 7, shortwave 10 (1998)
Radios:
10.8 million (1997)
Television broadcast stations: 4 (plus two repeaters that relay Russian programs), 1 cable rebroadcaster in Tashkent; approximately 20 stations in regional capitals (2003)