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.

Starting February 1, purchase rate for thermal energy in Dushanbe will increase by 17%, alongside a rise in electricity prices. The decision is stipulated in a government decree that has already been signed.

The document identifies three categories of heat energy consumers: federally funded institutions and government bodies; the municipal enterprise Dushanbe City Heating Networks; and all other consumers.

Under the decree, the purchase price of thermal energy from producers—Dushanbe’s combined heat and power (CHP) plants and boiler houses—will rise by 17% for all these categories beginning February 1.

As a result, Dushanbe Heating Networks, which supplies heat to the city’s residents, will purchase thermal energy from producers (CHP plants and boiler houses) at 29.8 somonis per gigacalorie (Gcal), up from the previous rate of 25.50 somonis.

The federally funded institutions will pay 173.16 somonis per Gcal, compared to 148 somoni previously, while other consumers will be charged 199.1 somonis instead of 170.20 somonis.

An official source within the Dushanbe Heating Networks told Asia-Plus that the federally funded institutions include all ministries, committees, and agencies financed from the state budget.

The Dushanbe City Heating Networks is responsible for transporting and supplying heat to households, while the category of other consumers includes private, non-budgetary, and self-financed organizations.

Thermal energy in Dushanbe is produced by the Dushanbe-1 and Dushanbe-2 CHP plants, as well as several boiler houses. All consumers purchase heat from these producers, after which suppliers sell it to end users, including households, at tariffs approved by the Antimonopoly Service.

In the energy sector, thermal energy is measured in gigacalories. One Gcal is required to heat 1,000 tons of water by one degree Celsius.

Will heating costs rise for residential consumers?

At the same time, the Dushanbe City Heating Networks representative told Asia-Plus that tariffs for households have not yet been increased.

“From February 1, we will be purchasing thermal energy at a 17% higher price—29.8 somonis per Gcal instead of 25.50 somonis. However, any increase in tariffs for residential consumers requires a decision by the city authorities, and no such decision has been made so far,” the source said.

Currently, residential consumers pay 1.18 somonis per month for each square meter of living space. This tariff has been in effect since 2019.

If household heating tariffs are raised by 17%, the monthly cost would increase to 1.38 somonis per square meter.

It is also noted that between 2020 and 2024, tariffs for thermal energy for heating networks, budget institutions, and other consumers remained unchanged. In 2025, the purchase price of heat increased by 50%, but household tariffs were not affected.

The heating season in Tajikistan typically begins in mid-November and lasts until mid-March. Authorities say the tariff increase is necessary to ensure the stable operation of heat supply enterprises and to cover rising production costs.