BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 23. Kazakhstan's
government has allocated 10.4 billion tenge (about $22 million)
from its reserve fund for the development of the KazSat-3R
communications satellite, the press service of the Kazakh
government reported.
The corresponding resolution was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas
Bektenov.
"The funding will be used to develop the KazSat-3R satellite,
which will replace the existing KazSat-3 spacecraft. The current
satellite is scheduled to reach the end of its operational life in
2029, and the new satellite is expected to ensure the uninterrupted
operation of Kazakhstan's national satellite communications
system", the government said.
The project is aimed at further developing the country's
satellite communications network and telecommunications sector. It
is expected to ensure the stable operation of satellite
communications and broadcasting networks while expanding internet
access in sparsely populated and remote areas.
The project is also expected to enhance Kazakhstan's information
security and strengthen its technological sovereignty.
According to the government, currently, the KazSat satellite
communications system is used by the country's largest
telecommunications operators and government agencies. It provides
television and radio broadcasting, data transmission, mobile
communications, and internet access services. The system serves 19
telecommunications operators and more than 2 million television
subscribers.
The government noted that Kazakhstan has been implementing a
broad modernization program for its telecommunications
infrastructure. Over the past two years, high-speed internet
coverage has reached 99% of the population, while more than 4,500
rural settlements have gained access to broadband services.
Satellite technologies are being used to provide connectivity in
remote and hard-to-reach areas where building terrestrial
infrastructure is economically or technically challenging. Other
major projects include the expansion of fiber-optic networks in
rural areas, the Last Mile connectivity initiative, the rollout of
5G networks, improved mobile coverage along highways, and the
deployment of advanced satellite solutions.
The government added that more than 90% of public services are
now available online, while the launch of domestic supercomputing
capacity and the unified QazTech digital platform is expected to
support the further development of artificial intelligence and
Kazakhstan's digital economy.
According to the government, the KazSat-3R project, together
with new Earth observation initiatives, will further strengthen
Kazakhstan's space industry and expand its technological
capabilities.
