In a major push to boost digital connectivity, Kazakhstan has announced plans to bring satellite internet services to its national railway network and flagship airline within the next few years. The initiative is a key part of the country's broader strategy to enhance digital infrastructure.
Satellite Connectivity for Transport and Tourism
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiyev, revealed the plans during a government meeting. He stated that satellite internet will be introduced on Kazakhstan Temir Zholy trains and Air Astana aircraft in 2026.
Pilot testing for this technology is scheduled for the same year. Madiyev noted that three satellite internet operators are already active in the Kazakh market, with two more foreign companies expected to enter soon.
Furthermore, the responsibility for providing satellite internet to tourist destinations and remote, hard-to-reach areas will fall to local akimats (administrations). They are tasked with funding these projects using their local budgets.
Nationwide Mobile and Internet Expansion
Alongside the satellite project, Kazakhstan is aggressively working to eliminate connectivity dead zones. A significant project is underway to expand mobile network coverage along the country's highways.
This initiative will cover approximately 40,000 kilometers of national and regional roads, with completion targeted within the next two years.
The development of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks is also progressing. 5G services are currently available in 20 cities, and the government plans to expand coverage to up to 75% of the territory within these urban centers.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Areas
A cornerstone of Kazakhstan's digital policy is connecting its vast rural landscape. The country has over 6,000 rural settlements.
Madiyev highlighted that more than 3,000 villages will be connected to high-speed internet via fiber-optic lines this year and next. "As a result, 99% of the population will have access to high-speed internet," the minister affirmed.
Complementing this effort is the 'Last Mile' project, which focuses on delivering fiber-optic connections directly to homes. This project aims to build networks reaching up to 400,000 households, providing additional coverage for around 2.5 million people.
These comprehensive measures signal Kazakhstan's determined effort to become a fully connected nation, ensuring that both its major transport corridors and its most isolated communities have access to modern digital services.
