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internet access

Next Stop, Wi-Fi: Kazakhstan Pilots Satellite Internet on Rails

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.

Internet

Splitting the Flow: How Central Asia Can Bypass Russia in Internet Connectivity

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....

Starlink

Starlink Officially Launches in Kazakhstan

In a landmark step toward bridging Kazakhstan’s digital divide, SpaceX’s satellite internet service Starlink has officially begun operations in the country. As of today, residents and organizations across Kazakhstan can legitimately purchase and activate Starlink satellite terminals to access high-speed internet — even in the most remote regions. From Pilot to Public Rollout Kazakhstan's engagement with Starlink began as early as late 2023, when the government deployed the system in a pilot phase to connect rural schools with fast broadband service. By mid‑2024, over 1,700 schools were brought online under the “Accessible Internet” national program. On June 12, 2025, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry signed a formal agreement with Starlink, committing the company to fully comply with Kazakhstan’s information security and telecommunications laws. The agreement paved the way for the official rollout to citizens, entities, and government bodies. Why This Matters Kazakhstan's vast geography and dispersed settlement patterns have long challenged conventional broadband expansion. Fiber optics and cell towers reach most urban areas - but remote pastures, mountain villages, and certain infrastructure sites remain underconnected or entirely offline. Starlink's low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation provides a modern solution: delivering high-speed, low-latency internet without reliance on terrestrial infrastructure. This opens avenues not only for education and healthcare in rural schools and clinics, but also for mobile services, infrastructure projects, and remote industrial operations. Official Reactions In June, Minister Zhaslan Madiyev highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Until today, Starlink operated in Kazakhstan in pilot mode, providing internet only in schools. Now, finally, we have reached an agreement: the company agreed to comply with all the requirements of our legislation … our citizens will be able to officially and legally connect to satellite internet.” On Starlink’s official X account, the company announced: “Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet is now available in Kazakhstan!” The deployment aligns with President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev’s national “Accessible Internet” initiative, aiming to ensure that no region is left behind in digital connectivity.

Internet

Turkmenistan Tightens Internet Blocks to Promote State-Controlled VPNs

Internet restrictions in Turkmenistan have intensified sharply in recent weeks, according to sources who spoke with turkmen.news. Authorities have reportedly expanded the national IP blacklist by adding numerous /16 subnets, each covering over 65,000 IP addresses. While such sweeping blocks might appear politically motivated, insiders claim the real motive is commercial: corrupt officials are using the restrictions to market and sell VPN services and “whitelist” access they control themselves. In July 2024, Turkmen authorities briefly restored access to around 3 billion previously blocked IP addresses, raising hopes of a more open digital environment and a boost to the stagnant online economy. However, that reprieve proved temporary. The blocks soon returned, initially targeting smaller /24 subnets (255 IP addresses each). This summer, the government's cybersecurity department escalated efforts by blocking entire /16 subnets, cutting off hundreds of thousands of websites in a matter of weeks. Restrictions Without Justification Turkmenistan already ranks among the most digitally isolated nations. Independent media, global social networks, and any platforms perceived to host criticism of the government have long been inaccessible. However, the latest wave of blocks is not driven by political considerations, as most politically sensitive platforms were already restricted. Instead, the scale and targets of the new blocks suggest other motivations. According to turkmen.news, even benign and essential online services, such as update servers for antivirus software like Bitdefender and some Google utilities, have been caught in the dragnet. Experts warn that this poses a growing cybersecurity risk in a country with limited digital literacy and inadequate access to software updates. Selling Access in a Closed System Sources allege that Turkmen officials are using the crackdown to corner the market for virtual private networks. VPN keys now cost around 1,000 manats (roughly $50) per month, while access to a whitelist, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, can run up to $2,000 monthly. The officials reportedly behind the scheme are said to be deliberately blocking alternatives to force users into purchasing their products. Last year, turkmen.news identified several figures allegedly involved in this scheme: Maksat Geldyev, Allanazar Kulnazarov, and Didar Seyidov. While these individuals reportedly profit from the artificial scarcity they create, the broader economy suffers. Analysts estimate that Turkmenistan loses millions of dollars daily due to the constraints on digital development, which is a key factor in modern GDP growth. Official Denials Amid International Scrutiny Despite mounting evidence, the Turkmen government continues to deny the severity of the situation. The Foreign Ministry recently issued a statement condemning Ukrainian television channel FreeDom for what it described as “biased and false” coverage of the country’s internet restrictions. Nonetheless, experts warn that unless the government reverses course, Turkmenistan’s digital isolation will continue to hinder economic development, deepen cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and further disconnect its population from the global information space.

internet access

Starlink Set to Launch Internet Services Nationwide in Kazakhstan

Starlink, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, will officially begin offering satellite internet services in Kazakhstan in the third quarter of 2025. The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan announced that an agreement has been signed with Starlink, ensuring compliance with national laws on information security and telecommunications. Expanding Internet Access to Remote Areas With this agreement, Kazakhstani users can now legally purchase and connect Starlink satellite terminals. Until now, the service had operated only in pilot mode, providing internet access exclusively to schools. “Starlink was not previously available to the public. Now, after reaching this agreement, the company has committed to fully comply with our legislation on information security and communications,” said Digital Development Minister Jaslan Madiev. The initiative is part of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive under the national project Accessible Internet, which aims to close the digital divide. The project focuses on underserved areas, such as mountain villages, remote pastures, schools, and healthcare facilities, where laying fiber-optic infrastructure is logistically or economically impractical. Starlink’s technology uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, positioned approximately 550 kilometers above the Earth, to deliver high-speed broadband with low latency, even in rural and hard-to-reach locations. Background: A Long Road to Starlink Kazakhstan’s engagement with Starlink began in 2023 when the government, frustrated by the lack of progress from domestic telecom operators, initiated direct negotiations with SpaceX. Then-Minister Bagdat Musin announced a partnership to provide internet connectivity to 2,000 rural schools.. “Lauren Dreyer and I informed the President that in schools where students only receive 4 megabits per second through outdated satellite dishes, we would bridge the gap within six months. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of SpaceX and Elon Musk’s deputy, confirmed Starlink’s commitment,” Musin said at the Digital Bridge forum. By April 2024, 447 rural schools were connected via Starlink. By July, that number had risen to 1,729. Attempted Ban and Backlash Despite the rollout’s success, in December 2024, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry (MDDIAI) proposed banning Starlink and similar services. Citing Article 23 of the National Security Law, the ministry argued that Kazakhstan should prohibit telecommunications networks operated from outside the country. The draft regulation targeted four companies, Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, and Starlink, and was published for public comment on the Open Regulations website. It immediately drew widespread criticism. In response to the backlash, the proposal was withdrawn for revision.

internet access

Innovative Solution Connects Kyrgyzstan’s Most Remote Village to the Internet, Sparking Further Development

Until recently, the village of Zardaly, in the Batken region of southwest Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous area on the border of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, was almost completely cut off from the rest of the world. There were no road connections and certainly no information highway. That all changed recently, however, when the Kyrgyz chapter of the Internet Society, an international organization aiming to bridge the digital divide, led a project to connect Zardaly to the internet. The project has inverted the arc of the typical development model, with the new technology subsequently sparking investment in more traditional infrastructure such as roads, energy production, and access to government services. [caption id="attachment_28530" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: Internet Society, Kyrgyz Chapter[/caption] The idea of connecting Zardaly to the internet was prompted in large part by the Covid-19 pandemic, the co-founder of the Internet Society’s Kyrgyz chapter Talant Sultanov told The Times of Central Asia. “During the pandemic, we were working on a project to ensure continuing education for kids whose schools were forced to close. The government passed a law mandating the availability of online education for children in the country, but some schools lacked internet connectivity and kids were therefore effectively missing out on education. So, we decided to find the most difficult case in this regard and use it as an example proving that establishing an internet connection can be done anywhere,” Sultanov explained. [caption id="attachment_28531" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: Internet Society, Kyrgyz Chapter[/caption] Zardaly’s remote location presented some steep challenges. The standard solution based on fiber-optic cables was not possible because of the mountainous terrain and extreme weather conditions, while the satellite technology for such a project was only just emerging when the project was originally conceived, and so was also not an option. Instead, Sultanov explained, the project team designed a solution around radio signals. “We basically found the closest internet location and installed radio transmitters,” he said. This kind of solution required direct lines of sight between the connection nodes, however, so hubs had to be built on mountaintops, further increasing the difficulty level. [caption id="attachment_28532" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: Internet Society, Kyrgyz Chapter[/caption] Donkeys Carrying Solar Panels The project’s designers also had to deal with the fact that there was no paved road leading to Zardaly, nor any electricity in the village. So, to get this modern technology up and running, the team turned to the traditional transport mode of donkeys to move the equipment needed to install the network of hubs and towers, which meant traveling along a treacherous unpaved path etched into the mountainside. “Our engineer suffered a broken arm from falling boulders, and another nearly fell off a cliff,” said Sultanov. [caption id="attachment_28533" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: Internet Society, Kyrgyz Chapter[/caption] To overcome the lack of electricity, the team had to bring in solar panels and batteries to store the energy. Sophisticated gel batteries were initially used but later had to be swapped out for traditional car batteries, which locals were more familiar with and able to repair on...