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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....

Internet

Starlink Expected to Launch in Uzbekistan in 2026

The U.S.-based satellite internet provider Starlink is expected to begin operations in Uzbekistan in 2026, according to information published on the company’s official service availability website. Developed and operated by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, Starlink is designed to deliver high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas around the world. Typical download speeds range between 50 and 250 megabits per second, making it an attractive option for regions with limited digital infrastructure. In neighboring Kazakhstan, Starlink officially launched earlier this month following a pilot phase during which the system primarily served rural schools. With the commercial rollout now complete, the service is available to all users across Kazakhstan, signaling Central Asia’s increasing integration into global next-generation connectivity networks. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s national space agency, Uzbekcosmos, has submitted a proposal to host the International Astronautical Congress in Samarkand in 2028. As part of the evaluation process, Christian Feichtinger, Executive Director of the International Astronautical Federation, recently visited Samarkand and Tashkent to assess infrastructure, security, and organizational capabilities. If successful, Uzbekistan’s bid could bring global space industry leaders and potentially Elon Musk himself, to the historic Silk Road city.

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

Kyrgyz MPs Propose Ban on Pornographic Websites

A group of Kyrgyz parliamentarians has introduced draft legislation aimed at banning the distribution of pornographic content online. The proposal, currently under review, has sparked a mixed response among lawmakers. The bill seeks to restrict access to websites hosting pornographic material and establish legal liability for their distribution. Under the draft law, the Ministry of Digital Development would be required to block access to online resources featuring prohibited content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint. Alternatively, the site owners must remove the content upon request from an authorized state body. If they fail to comply, the site could be blocked for up to two months. The bill also grants any citizen the right to file a complaint with authorities if they encounter pornographic content online. However, the initiative has drawn criticism from some MPs. Deputy Dastan Bekeshev questioned whether the proposed legislation duplicates existing laws. He pointed out that Kyrgyzstan already has legal provisions banning harmful content for children, including pornography. “Do we need another law? Isn’t the previous one enough? We’ve already banned child pornography. Maybe adults should be allowed access to such content, at least with a password?” he asked. “In Japan, for example, people watch pornography, and nothing happens, the country continues to develop. If you ban everything online, people will start looking for it on the streets.” Bekeshev argued that while the goal may be to promote public morality, such measures often fail and can even be counterproductive. “We need to begin with ourselves and lead by example,” he added. In response, Marat Togaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, explained that the current law only permits blocking websites registered within Kyrgyzstan. The new bill, he said, is designed to extend enforcement to websites regardless of jurisdiction. Following parliamentary debate, the bill passed its first reading. Togaev noted that while telecom operators have the technical capability to block pornographic websites, they cannot prevent users from accessing such content via VPNs.

Cyberattacks

Ongoing DDoS Attack Disrupts Kazakhstan’s Digital Infrastructure

Kazakhstan is experiencing a large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack that is disrupting online services across government portals, banking systems, and telecommunications networks. The attack, which began earlier this week, has overwhelmed servers by bombarding them with excessive traffic, rendering critical digital infrastructure inaccessible for thousands of users. The Impact on National Systems The scope of the attack has significantly hobbled online platforms that citizens and organizations rely on for essential services. Users have reported interruptions when attempting to access online banking, state-run portals for taxes, and public resource management services. Government resources have been severely affected, whilst for businesses the inability to process digital transactions has caused massive delays, leading to e-commerce platforms and retailers that depend on online payment systems facing revenue losses. Financial institutions are working to secure their systems, fearing that the attack may escalate into data breaches or ransomware targeting client information. Potential Sources Behind the Attack While no official statement about the source of the attack has been released, cybersecurity experts are pointing to several possibilities. One theory suggests that the attack may involve political motives, aimed at destabilizing Kazakhstan’s government services and undermining public confidence. Others speculate that the incident may stem from cybercriminal groups seeking financial gain through extortion tactics. Other analysts are not discounting the possibility of foreign state actors. Given increasing geopolitical tensions in the region, such cyberattacks could potentially serve as acts of digital retaliation or covert intervention. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the attack, and no group has publicly claimed responsibility. Official Responses and Mitigation Efforts Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry has acknowledged the severity of the attack in an official statement. Authorities are currently coordinating with cybersecurity experts to neutralize the attack and minimize public impact. Technical teams have implemented measures such as traffic filtering and rerouting protocols to handle excessive server requests. While some government websites have been partially restored, slow loading speeds and occasional downtime persist. The ministry is urging organizations and individuals to strengthen online security by regularly updating firewalls and staying vigilant against phishing attempts that often accompany large-scale attacks. Additionally, Kazakhstan's cybersecurity response teams are collaborating with international partners to identify vulnerabilities and enhance digital defenses. This incident highlights the growing need for robust cybersecurity frameworks, particularly in an interconnected world increasingly reliant on digital services. Significance of the Attack This ongoing DDoS attack underscores how vulnerable national infrastructure can be to cyber threats. Potentially targeting critical systems like financial networks or telecommunications, these attacks can undermine public trust in a nation’s institutions and disrupt economic stability. Kazakhstan, like many nations, has increased investment in digital technologies, making cybersecurity a top priority. However, the attack reveals gaps in protection and the urgent need for advanced, preemptive measures to safeguard essential systems. With a rising tide of global cyber threats, addressing these vulnerabilities will play a critical role in protecting both national security and the economy going forward. For now, Kazakhstan continues to battle the...

Digitalization

Kazakhstan to Require Parents to Purchase Special SIM Cards for Children

Kazakhstan plans to introduce special SIM cards for children, limiting their access to the internet. Deputy Minister of Education Yedil Ospan announced the initiative on March 12, stating that discussions are ongoing with authorized government agencies as part of a comprehensive plan. “We assume that operators should issue special SIM cards intended for use by children. That is, a parent will be obliged to buy these very SIM cards for their children,” Ospan said. According to him, these SIM cards will include built-in security filters restricting access to inappropriate content, including certain websites and social networks. Parents will also be able to monitor their child’s phone usage and track their location through a dedicated application. Ospan emphasized that while Kazakhstan already offers children’s mobile plans with access to educational resources, they do not provide full control over internet safety. The new initiative aims to enhance digital protection for minors. Research from Kazakhstan Kids Online indicates that official access to digital platforms is permitted from age 13. However, 60% of children aged 9-10 and 66% of those aged 11-12 already have personal internet accounts. In response, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with experts, is developing legislative amendments to strengthen internet safety measures for children. The introduction of child-specific SIM cards is part of broader efforts to regulate mobile communications in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Digital Development has also proposed limiting individuals to a maximum of 10 SIM cards, although this measure remains under discussion.