Turkmenistan: Exploring the Cyber Frontier

In the heart of Central Asia lies Turkmenistan, a country where the digital realm presents unique challenges and opportunities. Filip Borcov, the CEO of Site.pro, shared his experiences trying to establish a presence in Turkmenistan, shedding light on the intricacies of internet usage and hosting in this enigmatic country.

Borcov's attempt to enter Turkmenistan for four years was not without its challenges. The bureaucratic hurdles of obtaining a visa underscored the stringent nature of regulations in the country. In Turkmenistan, content is carefully scrutinized, reflecting a somewhat strict environment.

Turkmenistan and Shared Hosting

Estimates of Turkmenistan's population and internet penetration rates vary, illustrating the complexities of gathering accurate data. Depending on sources, the population hovers around 6-8 million, while internet penetration ranges from a meager 5% (Wikipedia) to a more optimistic 80% (Statista). The disparity in statistics hints at the multifaceted nature of Turkmenistan's digital landscape.

Internet Censorship and Exceptions

Turkmenistan ranks among the top five countries for internet censorship, where numerous websites are entirely blocked. Notably, global tech giants such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Teams, and OneDrive remain accessible. However, attempting to open most global websites results in restrictions. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are largely ineffective, with Psiphon proving to be a rare exception on mobile devices.

Telecom.tm stands as the primary hosting provider in Turkmenistan, wielding a virtual monopoly. Shared hosting with this provider comes at a price of approximately $40 per month. Users face a dilemma between choosing expensive local hosting or opting for more affordable options abroad, which unfortunately do not function within Turkmenistan's borders.

Securing a domain in Turkmenistan is no small feat. The .tm ccTLD registry is officially registered in the UK, with a steep price tag of $1000 or more for a .tm domain. Locals often opt for alternatives like .com.tm or .gov.tm, priced at around $75. Surprisingly, having a domain in Turkmenistan is deemed illegal, leading to a low number of officially registered domains for a population of 6-8 million.

The majority of website builders face restrictions. Whether in the cloud or on-premises, the only viable option is on-premises, as previously explained.

For those seeking to engage with Telecom, a physical letter to the Ministry of Affairs is the key to securing a meeting. Customer support in Turkmenistan operates exclusively during working hours, offering assistance in Turkmen, Russian, and English, though fluency in English is generally limited to the younger and more educated population.

Payment Gateways and Hosting Preferences

These payment gateways function well in Turkmenistan:

However, despite a preference for global hosting for better price and quality, the reality is that it often doesn't work within Turkmenistan's borders. Consequently, locals settle for slower, less efficient local hosting due to the lack of alternatives.

Lifehacks and Pitfalls

In navigating the digital landscape of Turkmenistan, Borcov shares valuable lifehacks. Booking appointments with government organizations, such as Telecom, requires coordination through the Ministry of Affairs. Additionally, continuous experimentation is crucial in this dynamic environment. In this topic you may use a link to DomainDays. This YouTube video provides insights into learning from the future.

Turkmenistan's unique digital landscape poses challenges, but it also presents opportunities for those willing to adapt and innovate. Despite the obstacles, the nation's internet users persist in their quest for affordable hosting solutions, demonstrating resilience and a thirst for knowledge in a rapidly evolving digital world.