In today’s world, reliable mobile communications and internet access are indispensable, and Central Asia is no exception. Digital infrastructure has become a core component of development across the region. Yet, the architecture of internet connectivity in Central Asia has been shaped not only by global technological progress but also by the geopolitical upheavals of the early 2020s, a decade already recognized as historically transformative.

Recent developments have renewed focus on this issue. On August 13, Kazakhstan officially joined over 100 countries utilizing Starlink’s satellite internet services, following a June 12, 2025, agreement that confirmed SpaceX’s compliance with national laws. The Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development emphasized that Starlink offers stable connectivity “even in the most remote and inaccessible areas,” expanding access to digital services for underserved populations.

While Starlink’s rates are higher than local norms, 23,000 KZT ($42.50) a month for home users and 26,000 KZT ($48) for mobile users, the launch signals a broader shift in Kazakhstan’s internet policy. For decades, the country maintained strict control over online access. As late as 2019, the authorities blocked social networks during live streams by exiled oligarch Mukhtar Ablyazov. The 2020 pandemic further exposed infrastructure gaps, with students in remote areas forced to climb rooftops and trees for mobile signals. These stark images, along with a gradual political thaw, likely spurred the momentum for reform.

Another catalyst is the war in Ukraine. A recent report by the Internet Society highlights Kazakhstan’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian internet infrastructure and enhance regional digital resilience. Central Asia’s landlocked geography means it depends heavily on terrestrial fiber optic cables connected to countries with undersea landing stations. Approximately 95% of Kazakhstan’s international internet traffic flows through Russia, posing strategic vulnerabilities amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

To address this, Kazakhstan is investing in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems and exploring alternative terrestrial fiber routes, including a long-discussed cable under the Caspian Sea connecting to Europe.

As of January 2024, Kazakhstan had 18.2 million internet users, 92.3% of the population, with average fixed-line speeds of 53.86 Mbps, ranking 94th globally, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Index.

Uzbekistan Follows Suit

Uzbekistan, the region’s second-largest economy, is also seeking to diversify its digital dependencies. In March 2025, Tashkent signed agreements with the European Union on a satellite internet project and the “Connectivity for Central Asia” program, both aimed at extending access to remote communities and modernizing digital infrastructure. These initiatives are part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

“By investing in digital connectivity, we are bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and ensuring that Central Asia has access to the benefits of the digital economy,” said European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen.

As of early 2024, Uzbekistan had 34.2 million mobile subscribers and 29.5 million internet users, an 83.3% penetration rate. Basic fixed-line internet packages cost 55,000 UZS ($4.40) per month for 6 Mbps daytime speeds; premium plans offer 50 Mbps for about $8.

As reported by The Times of Central Asia, Starlink is expected to launch in Uzbekistan in 2026.

Lagging Behind: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan

Elsewhere in Central Asia, digital development remains uneven.

In Kyrgyzstan, 5.4 million people, 79.8% of the seven million population, were internet users in early 2024. Yet 1.4 million residents remained offline. Tajikistan reported 8.3 million mobile subscribers in 2023, though only 5.6 million were active. With an internet penetration rate of 41.6%, nearly 60% of Tajiks lack regular access.

Turkmenistan’s internet statistics are even worse. Only 2.6 million of the country’s seven million people use the internet, and speeds are among the world’s slowest. According to Speedtest, Turkmenistan ranks 161st out of 162 countries, with average download speeds of just 4.31 Mbps. Internet tariffs are set by presidential decree, and prices remain prohibitively high despite limited service quality.

A Regional Crossroads

Central Asia’s digital future hinges on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s ability to diversify internet traffic and reduce dependency on Russia. Kazakhstan’s Starlink rollout is a tangible step in this direction. However, broader regional transformation will depend on infrastructure investment, regulatory reform, and sustained international partnerships.

The open question now is how Moscow and, increasingly, Beijing will respond to these efforts to reshape digital connectivity across Central Asia.