Satellite Connectivity to be Introduced in Kazakhstan
VEON’s Beeline Kazakhstan Partners with Starlink Direct to Cell
A partnership formed between VEON Ltd. and Starlink Direct to Cell will make essential connectivity accessible across Kazakhstan, including in remote areas not covered by terrestrial networks through Beeline Kazakhstan.
“Beeline Kazakhstan’s partnership with Starlink is a prime example of how global technology can strengthen national infrastructure.”
Zhaslan Madiyev, Republic of Kazakhstan
At a trilateral meeting held during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to the United States, Beeline Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development signed a memorandum of understanding expressing support for Beeline Kazakhstan’s plans to offer Direct to Cell satellite connectivity. Following the commercial agreement signed in September, Beeline Kazakhstan plans to first launch messaging in 2026, and then introduce data connectivity as the next phase.
Beeline Kazakhstan is building on its previous initiatives to provide reliable mobile internet in remote areas and isolated communities in Kazakhstan, which is the 9th largest country in the world by land area. The company previously expanded its terrestrial network coverage to villages with populations of around 100 people and deployed solar energy panels to power off-grid base stations.
“Beeline Kazakhstan’s partnership with Starlink is a prime example of how global technology can strengthen national infrastructure. Integrating satellite and terrestrial networks will expand coverage and enable connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure is not unfeasible. The ability to send a message from a smartphone in an area without terrestrial coverage using a direct satellite-to-mobile connection without any additional equipment addresses critical public safety concerns and, without exaggeration, has the potential to save lives,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“This partnership is a major milestone for connecting Kazakhstan,” said Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Kazakhstan. “From the mountains to the steppe, our aim is to provide reliable communication, and integrating Starlink Direct to Cell satellite with terrestrial connectivity brings that vision closer. This integration is a great opportunity to address the coverage gap in the most remote regions of our country in an efficient way.”
VEON has signed a global framework agreement with Starlink, a non-exclusive agreement that sets out the conditions for future collaboration on bringing Direct to Cell satellite connectivity to all of VEON’s operating markets. With this agreement, VEON became the first global telecom operator to enter into such a multi-country framework arrangement with Starlink.
Beeline Kazakhstan’s agreement to introduce Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite connectivity builds on the recent progress in Ukraine, where Kyivstar Group Ltd successfully demonstrated messaging with Starlink Direct to Cell earlier this year.
“The unique conditions of the markets where we operate requires innovative solutions that empower communities to stay connected. I’m delighted to see that we are on track to deliver this through our collaboration with Starlink Direct to Cell in a second VEON market – Kazakhstan – following Ukraine,” added Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO. “We are excited to explore the potential to offer integrated terrestrial and satellite connectivity to VEON’s more than 150 million subscribers across all five of the markets where we operate.”
Beeline Kazakhstan’s testing and commercial launch of Starlink Direct to Cell services in Kazakhstan is subject to standard regulatory approvals.
Fascinating. Your point about global tech strengthening national infrastructure is spot on. It's awesome to see satellite and terrestrial networks integrating to bridge the digital divide in such a massive country.