Kazakhstan to Introduce Satellite Internet on Trains, Planes

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev has said that satellite internet is planned to be introduced on Kazakhstan Temir Zholy trains and Air Astana aircraft in 2026.

Madiyev made these remarks at a government meeting, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Currently, three satellite internet operators are active in the country, with two more foreign companies expected to enter the market. Pilot testing is scheduled for 2026.

Madiyev also said local authorities will provide satellite internet to tourist sites and remote areas using local budgets.

In addition, Kazakhstan is expanding mobile network coverage along 40,000 km of highways, with completion expected in the next two years, and is rolling out 5G networks, aiming to cover 75 per cent of city territories.

As part of its rural digital infrastructure project, more than 3,000 villages will gain high-speed fiber-optic internet, reaching 99 per cent of the population. The ongoing Last Mile project will deliver fiber directly to up to 400,000 households, providing coverage for 2.5 million people.

The initiative complements Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to boost internet traffic transit via Caspian fiber-optic lines, strengthening the country’s role as a regional digital hub.