Fees for the use of radio frequencies in Tajikistan have increased hundreds of times for mobile operators. Charges for 2G and 3G standards have risen roughly 400 times, while fees for 4G and 5G have increased more than 560 times compared to previous rates.
The changes are stipulated in Government Decree No. 476 of September 8, 2025, which introduced a new system for calculating payments for the use of radio frequency spectrum.
According to Annex No. 16 to the decree, fees are now calculated using a formula that includes the commercial value coefficient of the spectrum, a regional coefficient, and a base calculation indicator. The regional coefficient (G) is set at 3 for Dushanbe and 2 for Sughd and Khatlon provinces.
The commercial value coefficient is set at 60 for 2G and 3G mobile standards and ranges from 70 to 85 for 4G and 5G. With a calculation indicator of 78 somonis approved for 2026, the annual cost of using a single radio frequency in Dushanbe amounts to 14,040 somonis for 2G–3G and between 16,380 somonis and 19,890 somonis for 4G–5G.
Previously, the annual fee for one radio frequency was 35 somonis and did not depend on the communication standard.
Should consumers expect higher prices for mobile services and the internet?
Mobile operators have officially declined to comment. However, industry representatives speaking on condition of anonymity say the additional costs could amount to tens of millions of somonis.
“If previously an operator paid about 3,500 somonis per year for 100 radio frequencies, under the new rules—based on Dushanbe rates—that figure could rise to 1.4 million somonis for 2G–3G and nearly 2 million somonis for 4G–5G,” a company representative said.
Experts note that operators often use 200, 300 or more radio frequencies, which significantly multiplies the financial burden.
“Such a sharp and simultaneous increase in the cost of using radio frequencies, the introduction of disposal fees, and other new requirements may lead to higher prices for mobile and internet services. This contradicts the large-scale objectives set for telecommunications companies, including expanding nationwide mobile coverage, deploying 5G networks, and improving the quality and affordability of communications,” an industry expert said on condition of anonymity.
New rates for radio and television
The new tariffs extend beyond mobile communications. Annex No. 16 to Decree No. 476 also sets updated fees for other types of radio frequency use, including television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, radio relay links, satellite communications, and wireless data transmission technologies.
Under the document, these categories are also subject to a unified calculation formula using the base indicator and regional coefficient. The rates include:
· state television frequencies — 5 calculation indicators;
· non-state television frequencies — 8 indicators;
· radar systems — 5 indicators;
· radio broadcasting stations — 8 indicators;
· satellite communication terminals such as Thuraya, Starlink, OneWeb, and similar systems — 5 indicators;
· radio relay stations in the band up to 28 MHz — 30 indicators;
· radio relay stations in the 56–500 MHz band — 35 indicators;
· wireless data networks, including Wi-Fi (2,400–2,483.5 MHz and 5,000–6,000 MHz bands) — 5 indicators;
· WiMAX wireless networks — 10 indicators.
The value of one calculation indicator in 2026 is set at 78 somoni, while the final payment amount depends on the applicable regional coefficient.
As a result, the new rules affect not only mobile operators but also a wide range of radio frequency users, for whom the cost of spectrum use has increased significantly compared to previous rates.
