President Tokayev Unveils Ambitious 5G Plans at Digital Bridge 2023 Forum

Kazakhstan is poised to enter the next era of connectivity and technological advancement with its ambitious plans for the accelerated launch of 5G wireless services.

In his speech at the Digital Bridge 2023 forum on Thursday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev laid out a bold vision for Kazakhstan’s technological future.

“Previously, the goal was set to provide all regional centers with new-generation cellular communication by 2027,” Tokayev said in his speech. “However, with the rapid advancement of technology, we need to expedite this process. The government should complete this work ahead of schedule, aiming for the end of 2025.”

President Tokayev stressed that this acceleration should not compromise the quality of services provided to the citizens.

One of the key strategies in achieving comprehensive 5G coverage involves the use of cutting-edge low-orbit satellite systems. By leveraging these advanced technologies, the government aims to provide uninterrupted internet access throughout the country, overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all residents. President Tokayev emphasized the need for comprehensive action, including potential legislative amendments, to make this vision a reality.

President Tokayev stressed the importance of equipping citizens, especially the younger generation, with digital skills. Drawing inspiration from initiatives like the Astana Hub education programs, similar programs will be introduced in schools, ensuring that future generations are prepared to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.

The President underscored the importance of AI in driving inclusive and sustainable development.

“Advanced IT infrastructure forms the foundation for the future progress of the digital industry, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence,” Tokayev said. “Therefore, its development must outpace the requirements of IT developers. First and foremost, we need to increase our computing capacity. I am instructing the government to oversee the construction of data centers specializing in artificial intelligence within the next two years.”

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.

The Digital Bridge 2023 forum, was attended by more than 20,000 participants, representatives of over 300 IT companies, and delegations from 30 countries. Such big interest in the event, according to Tokayev, “confirms Kazakhstan’s strong position as a leading digital and fintech hub in the Eurasian space.”