Expansion of Starlink Initiative: 2,000 More Schools in Kazakhstan to Gain High-Speed Internet Access
Nearly 2,000 schools in Kazakhstan will soon have access to high-speed satellite internet through Starlink, according to Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev. This initiative is expected to be completed by the end of the year, providing broadband internet to schools across the country.
Starlink is known as the world’s first and largest satellite constellation, utilizing low Earth orbit to deliver internet services. In addition to Starlink, other solutions such as OneWeb, a global communications company based in London, are also being considered in Kazakhstan. OneWeb aims to provide high-speed internet access worldwide through a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites.
Madiyev emphasized the importance of competition in the market for such technological solutions while maintaining national security. He stated that OneWeb is currently working on establishing a pairing station and is expected to provide services on a commercial basis by early 2025.
Chairman of the ministry’s telecommunications committee, Yerzhan Meiramov, mentioned that the equipment and subscriber devices for each school cost $2,500, with a monthly tariff of 145,000 tenge (US$316). This investment aims to enhance educational opportunities and connectivity for students in Kazakhstan.
Overall, the effort to connect schools to high-speed internet through satellite technology demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving access to digital resources and boosting educational opportunities for students in the country.
