During a government hour in the Mazhilis, deputies asked the Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry Rostislav Konyashkin when internet access would be available on roads and trains in Kazakhstan. Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva inquired about the current stages of implementing internet connectivity projects, as reported by the correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
“In 2023, we conducted an analysis of the 'white spots' on national roads and identified 243 locations for the installation of antenna-mast structures. The development of project and cost documentation is currently underway, and by 2025, all 'white spots' will be eliminated,” Rostislav Konyashkin responded.
Deputy Ekaterina Smyshlyaeva reminded that plans for the implementation of satellite internet on railways were announced in May, with a target by the end of the year.
“Regarding internet access in railway trains, we analyzed various technologies: mobile internet, installation based on Valsa, and our satellite systems. We concluded that the most optimal solution is internet via low-orbit satellites, similar to Starlink and OneWeb. Negotiations with OneWeb have already taken place. A pilot project is planned to launch in January in collaboration with KTZ, after which a decision will be made regarding the quality and tariffs to be provided and about further scaling,” Rostislav Konyashkin stated.