Just a few years ago, internet access on passenger trains in Kazakhstan seemed like an unattainable dream. Today, this service is becoming a reality.

In an interview, Anuar Akhmetzhanov, Chairman of the Board of JSC Passenger Transport, told The Times of Central Asia that providing passengers with access to high-speed internet on trains is one of the key directions in the digitalization of the passenger transportation sector.

Since the beginning of this year, the national company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (Kazakhstan Railways), together with the official distributor of the low-orbit satellite network OneWeb in Kazakhstan, has launched a pilot project to provide internet access on passenger trains. The service was first introduced on the Astana–Almaty route, and in the spring, on the Astana–Oskemen route. According to Akhmetzhanov, Kazakhstan is among the first countries in the world to implement low-orbit satellite internet on passenger trains. In addition, internet access based on Starlink technology was recently launched in pilot mode on the Astana–Borovoe electric train.

“The preliminary results of the pilot project show strong demand from passengers. According to surveys, 87% of our passengers are satisfied with the quality of the internet, and the service meets their expectations,” said Akhmetzhanov.

High-speed internet of up to 150 Mbps benefits both passengers and the carrier. Travelers can remain connected throughout the journey, have access to various online services, make online payments during the trip, and enjoy unlimited entertainment options.

JSC Passenger Transport will, in turn, gain additional opportunities to sell tickets, control passenger boarding, provide additional services, and ensure safety control by connecting an onboard video surveillance system.

“As of today, only three trains are equipped with internet. Work is underway to expand the service to all types of trains. Based on testing results, we plan to roll out the solution to all major routes as early as next year,” noted Akhmetzhanov.

One of the main questions for passengers is whether the introduction of internet services on trains will affect ticket prices. On this point, Akhmetzhanov stated that an increase in ticket prices is not currently under consideration. “However, to reduce and offset expenses, the national carrier, together with its partner, is conducting market research on the demand for paid internet packages with higher speeds,” he said.

For example, the operator Jusan Mobile offers paid internet services; currently, passengers can choose tariffs for the entire trip or purchase 1 GB packages with the option to increase the volume as needed. There are no restrictions on which internet resources can be accessed.

In the near future, JSC Passenger Transportation is preparing to launch internet services on trains traveling on western routes, such as Aktobe–Almaty, Kyzylorda–Semey, and others.

The Train Internet project, based on satellite technology, ensures a stable, high-speed connection even in remote and hard-to-reach regions where traditional mobile services are limited. For Kazakhstan, with its vast territory and long travel distances, providing internet access on passenger trains is a service in high demand.