Kazakhstan Emerges as 5G Pioneer in Eurasian Economic Union

Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s largest country, is moving forward with its plans to accelerate the development of 5G services, positioning itself as the leader in 5G introduction among Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) member states.

According to Zakon.kz, the 5G rollout is not only on track but ahead of schedule, just ten months after the frequencies were issued to operators through a competitive auction held from March to December 2023.

Local operators have demonstrated great interest with Tele2/Altel emerging as a frontrunner. Tele2/Altel, which deployed 5G base stations in 18 cities, surpassed the stipulated license obligations.

The operator has been exceeding expectations, with the launch of dozens of new stations weekly. It had 784 stations in operation by the end of 2023. One of the notable achievements includes 215 base stations in Astana, surpassing the planned 125, and 270 in Almaty, exceeding the expected 172.

This rapid expansion is a testament to the operators' recognition of the crucial role 5G plays in advancing technology and connectivity. Beyond enhanced communication, the development of 5G networks in Kazakhstan is becoming a catalyst for attracting digital specialists and fostering the creation of innovative products, enriching the 5G application landscape in the country.

As per licensing obligations, operators are mandated to provide 5G coverage to at least 75% of the territory of cities of republican significance and 60% of the territory of regional centers by the end of 2025.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's agenda for Kazakhstan's technological future has been a driving force behind this accelerated 5G rollout. During his speech at the Digital Bridge 2023 forum in October, President Tokayev emphasized the need to expedite the provision of new-generation communication to all regional centers by the end of 2025.

A key strategy in achieving comprehensive 5G coverage involves leveraging cutting-edge low-orbit satellite systems. The government aims to provide uninterrupted internet access across the country, overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all residents. President Tokayev underscored the importance of a comprehensive action, including potential legislative amendments, to turn this vision into reality.

Recognizing the critical role of digital literacy, especially among the younger generation, President Tokayev announced the introduction of educational programs similar to the successful Astana Hub initiatives in schools. This initiative aims to equip future generations with digital skills, ensuring they are prepared to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.

5G technology, the fifth generation of mobile networks, promises significantly faster data speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced connectivity for various devices. With speeds reaching up to 10 gigabits per second, 5G is set to be up to 100 times faster than 4G, paving the way for a more interconnected world.

Wireless network operators in the United States, Japan, South Korea and China are largely driving the first 5G buildouts.