Uzbek authorities suspended Internet and messaging services across the country on August 1 to prevent cheating at university entrance exams.
Two major national mobile operators shut down mobile Internet and text and picture messaging from 0830 to 1330, citing "urgent maintenance work on telecommunications networks."
The restrictions on the additional services have become an annual practice on exam day as authorities fight against corruption and cheating.
RFE/RL's correspondents report that police thoroughly searched students for phones and cheat sheets before allowing them to enter university buildings.
Some shops at Tashkent's main electronic market have posted notices in recent days averting students: "Enter the exams with a pen only," "We have run out of mini-phones, use your head to take your exam."
