Uzbektelecom denies monopoly abuse, says Humans violated contract

After Humans’ Singapore-based founder initiated international arbitration proceedings against Uzbekistan, both Uzbektelecom and the Central Bank denied the accusations made by the company.

As we previously reported, Humans also filed a complaint with the Antimonopoly Committee against Uzbektelecom.

In a statement, Uzbektelecom explained that Humans, a virtual operator, has been using Uzbektelecom’s mobile network infrastructure under contract since 2020, without investing in its own network infrastructure.

“Despite earning revenue by operating on Uzbektelecom’s mobile network, Humans LLC has continuously delayed payment for the associated costs,” the official statement reads.

Uzbektelecom rejected the allegations that it is leveraging its dominant market position to exert pressure, calling such claims biased.

“In fact, Humans is legally entitled to sign contracts with other mobile operators such as Ucell, Beeline, or Mobiuz to provide services, not just Uzbektelecom. There is no legislation mandating the exclusive use of Uzbektelecom’s infrastructure,” the statement clarified.

Uzbektelecom added that it is actively working to reduce internet prices in Uzbekistan. As a result of expanded international internet channel capacity, the cost of 1 Mbps internet for operators and providers has decreased 40-fold between 2017 and 2024.

The company also emphasized that Humans had systematically violated contractual obligations, accumulating a large debt for services rendered.

“Uzbektelecom has continued providing services solely to protect consumers’ rights – regardless of whether the user is with Humans or any other operator – ensuring they receive services equal to what they paid for,” the company noted.

Uzbektelecom has filed a lawsuit with the Tashkent City Economic Court to recover the debt, and a court decision was issued on May 8.

The company stated that it remains open to constructive dialogue with any market participant, including Humans, as long as contractual obligations are met in good faith.

The amount owed was not officially disclosed in the statement. However, a letter dated March 27, 2024, circulating on social media, indicated that Uzbektelecom had demanded the repayment of 532 billion UZS from Humans.

On June 4, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan also issued a statement, confirming that arbitration proceedings have begun between Humans’ Singaporean parent company – Humans Mobile Pte Ltd – and the Uzbek government.

The complaint has been accepted by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) under the World Bank, and is currently in the preparatory phase for substantive review. The Central Bank pledged to provide further updates as the arbitration process develops.

In its explanation, the Central Bank addressed the activities of Maroqand JSC (UPay) – a payment organization affiliated with Humans – which had some of its services restricted after evidence emerged of funds being transferred for gambling purposes. As a result, certain payment services were suspended for six months starting September 25, 2024, and related documents have been submitted to law enforcement authorities for legal evaluation.