Over 3,000 rural communities in Kazakhstan to gain access to fast internet connectivity.
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In a major push for digital inclusivity, Kazakhstan is embarking on an ambitious mission to connect over 3,000 rural settlements to high-speed internet by 2027, aiming to connect 99% of rural areas nationwide.
The initiative, dubbed the "Accessible Internet Project," got rolling around 2023, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry (MDDIAI). With a clear aim in sight, the project aspires to have these rural settlements online by the end of next year, 2026, a full year ahead of schedule. By 2027, even remote, hard-to-reach areas will be provided with satellite communication channels to ensure their connectivity.
According to a report by Vechernyaya Astana, schools, hospitals, administrative buildings, budget organizations, public access points, and around 40 border crossing points are set to be part of this digital revolution.
This exciting move isn't just about making Kazakhstan's rural landscapes more digitally connected; it's a meaningful step towards bridging the digital divide, fostering economic growth, enhancing access to education, and integrating rural communities into the e-government services sphere.
Some key details surrounding this project include:
- Project timeline: The project, part of the "Accessible Internet Project," was launched in 2023, and by 2027, aims to have connected 99% of rural areas. The project employs a phased approach, with steady year-on-year expansion and ongoing investments in network infrastructure.
- Funding: The project is a public-private partnership, with the MDDIAI tapping into both government funds and leading telecom providers like Kazakhtelecom, Kcell, Beeline, and Tele2. It has also partnered with international technology firms such as Huawei, which contributes equipment and expertise, often supported by financial arrangements like loans from the Bank of China. Interestingly, providers like Beeline have deployed solar-powered 4G base stations in remote and energy-scarce areas, reducing dependency on traditional electricity grids and lowering operational costs.
- Impact on infrastructure: The project is transforming rural infrastructure, upgrading from basic connectivity to advanced 4G LTE/WiMAX networks, and even introducing 5G in select urban and regional centers. Additionally, the project prioritizes energy efficiency, tapering into renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, to ensure stable service in areas with unreliable electricity and contribute to sustainability goals.
This project represents one of the most significant rural connectivity initiatives in Central Asia, combining advanced technology, public-private collaboration, and sustainable energy solutions to ensure that Kazakhstan's rural population isn't left in the dark ages of digital evolution. [2][4][5]
- The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry (MDDIAI), coordinating this ambitious project, has also extended partnerships to leading finance organizations, such as the Bank of China, to secure funds.
- In addition to bridging the digital divide in rural Kazakhstan, this initiative is expected to drive growth in various sectors like finance, aerospace, and technology, positioning Kazakhstan as a hub for digital transformation across Central Asia.
