The editions are competing not only for national users, but also for foreign auditory, interested in Uzbekistan. At the same time, there are quality changes in presenting materials and they meet international standards. This was noted during the international conference “Issues of strengthening role and place of mass media in the civil society institutes”, which as recently held in Tashkent.

Bogdana Babich, director of Practical Policy Institute (Ukraine) said: “Development of mass media in Uzbekistan is in good level and journalists became more free. There is speech freedom in Uzbekistan. At the same time, there are some issues, which should be solved but it is technical issue.”

She said: “I want to note that due to development of Internet journalism in Uzbekistan, we had opportunity to receive necessary information about the country and follow developments. This shows that speech freedom is developing. I will note that number of Internet users is increasing each month. I think that future is with Internet resources as they are more economically beneficial that press (no expanses for paper, printing, etc).”

Dhar Mohar Krishen, observer of Indian magazine Political Events, noted: “I carefully follow mass media evaluation in Uzbekistan. After gaining independence, there were quality changes in this sector. In particular, large number of private newspapers, journals, TV and radio channels appeared in media market. Number of internet users is also growing. In the result there are wide space for implementation of speech right and freedom, opinion pluralism, various creative approaches to cover various topics and events.”

Chang Bin, expert from China, emphasized that electronic media contribute to the development of society and state. He added: “The fact that this practice exists in your country is a positive moment for further development of democratization. The appearance of new types of electronic mass media indicates that the whole sphere of information is developing at an extremely high speed.”

As earlier reported, number of internet users in Uzbekistan reached 6.626 million at the end of the third quarter of 2010. Number of internet users, connecting via fixed lines, made up 3.12 million people or 111 users per 100 habitants. Some 3.504 million people use mobile internet.

As of 1 October 2010, number of companies, rendering data transfer and Internet services, reached 965 and collective access points (Internet-cafes) – 1,021.

At the same time, total speed of international Internet channels reached 1,890 Mbps, which increased by 59.5% year-on-year. Number of registered domains made up 10,700.