2.3. Strategic investment projects of Kazakhtelecom JSC

The project is aimed at the construction of the submarine fibre-optic communication line (FOCL) along the bed of the Caspian Sea along the Aktau (Republic of Kazakhstan) — Sumgait (Republic of Azerbaijan) route within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement between the countries.

The implementation of the project provides for the creation of a high-speed data transmission channel with high throughput capacity, ensuring direct connection between the digital infrastructures of Kazakhstan and international data transmission networks.

During 2025, the key stages of the project were performed; all desktop research and preparatory stages were completed. The laying of the submarine cable is scheduled for 2026.

The project is implemented within the framework of the National project “Accessible Internet” jointly with government bodies and is aimed at the development of telecommunications infrastructure in rural and border regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the project, the provision of population centres with high-speed access to the Internet network with the use of fibre-optic communication lines (FOCL), wireless technologies (Wi-Fi) and satellite solutions is envisaged. The project covers rural population centres and border infrastructure facilities, including international border crossing points. It is planned to cover 2,991 rural population centres with the total population of about 1.2 million people, and also 38 international border crossing points in border territories. At the same time, FOCL coverage will amount to 2,691 RPC, Wi-Fi network coverage will amount to 565 RPC, satellite network coverage will amount to 300 RPC.

The implementation of the project is aimed at enhancing the accessibility of digital services, expanding network coverage and creating conditions for the socio-economic development of regions.

The project develops the digital infrastructure of the rural and border territories of the country.

The project is aimed at the development of the high-performance computing infrastructure of the Company to ensure the introduction and scaling of solutions on the basis of artificial intelligence. Within the framework of the project, the expansion of the capacities of data centres is being carried out, including the deployment of servers with graphics processing units (GPU), the creation of a platform for the processing and storage of big data, and also the development of cloud and analytical services.

The implementation of the project provides for the provision of computing capacities to external clients (B2B and B2G) and the use of AI technologies for the automation of internal processes of the Company, the enhancement of operational efficiency and the development of digital products.

The project is implemented within the framework of the state agenda of digitalization and the development of artificial intelligence in the Republic of Kazakhstan and is aimed at the formation of an infrastructure base for the development of the AI economy.

The project is aimed at the development and scaling of the mobile communications network of the fifth generation (5G) with the aim of the modernization of the telecommunications infrastructure and the enhancement of the quality of digital services of the Company.

Within the framework of the project, the construction and development of 5G base stations are being carried out, including joint use of infrastructure, as well as the expansion of network coverage in urban and industrial zones. The development of the 5G network contributes to the growth of the data transmission speed, the increase of network throughput capacity and the improvement of the user experience. The project also provides for the development of corporate solutions on the basis of 5G, including private networks (Private LTE/5G) for industrial enterprises, transport and city services.

In 2023–2025, 2,612 5G base stations were built with account for the joint use of infrastructure with MTS. In 2026, it is planned to build a further 567 base stations.

Kazakhstan climbed 8 positions in the world rating of mobile internet speed and took 49th place. The share of 5G devices exceeds 50%, of which 73% actively use the 5G network. The fifth-generation network accounts for 30% of all data traffic.

In 2025, 9 projects for private LTE networks and 1 5G project for industrial enterprises, transport and video monitoring systems were implemented.

The project is aimed at the construction of a commercial TIER III level data centre in the city of Kosshy (Akmola Region) with the aim of the development of the Company’s data storage and processing infrastructure. The implementation of the project provides for the creation of a modern data centre with a high degree of reliability and fault tolerance, designed for the placement of clients’ server equipment and the development of cloud services.

The data centre will provide geo-reservation services for government bodies and corporate clients, and will also expand the Company’s capabilities for the provision of equipment placement (colocation) services and cloud infrastructure.

The project is aimed at the development of the commercial direction of data centre services, the enhancement of the reliability of digital services and the creation of a technological base for the further scaling of digital and AI solutions.