KazSat, OneWeb may replace Starlink in Kazakhstan
The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry explained the restrictions imposed on using Elon Musk’s internet satellites in Kazakhstan and offered some alternatives, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Last December, the ministry published a draft order prohibiting import and use of satellite communication systems of Thuraya, Iridium, Inmarsat and Starlink in Kazakhstan.
In a reply to an official request from Kazinform, the ministry says that these measures are related to the threat to national security. Kazakhstan prohibits using the communication networks controlled from abroad.
The draft order is under additional discussion now.
What does the ministry offer as an alternative to Starlink?
In response to restricting foreign satellite systems, Kazakhstan is considering alternative options.
The Committee on Telecommunications is currently exploring the opportunity of using necessary navigation equipment by shipowners as per international conventions.
“As for providing communication to the remote districts, domestic KazSat satellite system and OneWeb international company are offered as alternative options. The application of Starlink technology was piloted to provide internet to the rural schools,” the Committee says.
It was also reported that the ministry had signed a memorandum with Amazon Kuiper Commercial Services LLC on cooperation in space technologies and satellite communications. Negotiations are underway with China's Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Co., Ltd on construction of a control center in Kazakhstan territory.
“It should be noted that the Government of Kazakhstan has approved Affordable Internet national project, which aims at construction of infrastructure for providing the population with internet,” the ministry adds.
It should be recalled, that in 2024, the Government launched a pilot project to connect as many as 2,000 schools to Starlink satellite Internet by the end of 2024.
