Presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, a government session began in Dushanbe today morning. 

A source in the Tajik government says the session is focusing on issues related to implementation of industry development projects and spring sowing.  

Besides, the government is discussing a number of draft laws and send them for consideration to the parliament, the source said.  

He further added that it could not be ruled out that a number of staff changes would be introduced at the meeting.  

The issue of mobile Internet tariffs can also be resolved today. 

Recall, intranet calls are expected to rise tenfold in cost in Tajikistan.  Internet calls will probable rise in cost as well.  

By Antimonopoly Agency’s order on tariffs for telecommunications that was issued on March 4 intranet calls are expected to rise tenfold in cost in Tajikistan beginning on March 27. 

The order, in particular, provides for setting the price of one minute of intranet call for all mobile operators, with the exception of Tojiktelecom (state-run telecommunications company), at no less than 10 dirams (direct taxes not included).  The previous price for one minute of intranet call fluctuated in Tajikistan from 0.7 diram to 1.2 dirams.    

The internet call in Tajikistan is expected to rise in cost as well.  According to the order, the cost of maintenance of local telecommunication networks by means of modern technologies, including NGN, for all mobile operators, with the exception of Tojiktelecom, will be set at no less than 0.20 somoni per minute (direct taxes not included). 

The minimum price of one minute of internet call cost will be set at 0.25 somoni (taxes included). 

As of March 27, mobile telecommunication services providers will be able to sell online data for no less than 0.05 somoni per megabyte and the price for one minute of mobile international call, including NGN communications, will amount to no less than 1.00 somoni (taxes not included).

An official with the Antimonopoly Agency says the instruction on raising mobile Internet prices has taken effect and mobile operators must execute it.  

Meanwhile, Tajikistan’s internet continues to get slower, ranking among the worst in the world.  Beginning from last year, all Internet traffic is required to pass through Tojiktelecom.