Starlink has officially started operations in Kazakhstan, making satellite internet available to the public for the first time. Citizens can now legally purchase, use, and register Starlink terminals in line with national regulations.

Previously, the service was only available in pilot mode and limited to schools. This launch follows an agreement signed on 12 June between Starlink and the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan. The company committed to complying with all national laws related to information security and telecommunications, which cleared the way for a full-scale rollout.

Kazakhstan faces unique challenges in delivering stable and high-quality internet access due to its vast territory and widely dispersed population. The country uses various technologies, including fiber-optic networks and mobile towers, to expand coverage. Despite having more than 30 internet providers and an internet penetration rate of 92.9% (about 19.2 million users), many people report poor service quality and limited provider options, especially in remote areas.

The telecom market is becoming increasingly competitive. In January, Spacesail Kazakhstan Limited was registered at the Astana International Financial Centre with a charter capital of $17 million. It is a subsidiary of China's Spacesail International Limited and is seen as a potential competitor to Starlink. On 20 February, Amazon Kuiper Kazakhstan Limited, a local branch of Amazon’s satellite project, was also registered. Global provider OneWeb is also expected to enter the market soon.

Oleg Emelyanov, president of the Kazakhstan Association of Communication Operators, welcomed the entry of global providers but stressed the need for strong domestic players. He warned that Kazakhstan must not become dependent on foreign operators, which could pose risks if access is cut off during critical times.

Currently, Kazakhstan accesses the global internet primarily through Russia. Major data routes pass through Russian territory before connecting to European and global networks. In response to growing geopolitical concerns, the country is working on a new infrastructure project to create an independent route across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan. This project aims to reduce reliance on Russia and strengthen Kazakhstan’s digital sovereignty.

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