Internet penetration at 70% in Kazakhstan: ASTEX-2014 in Astana

Astana is hosting the international conference and exhibition ASTEX-2014 on May 19-20, Tengrinews reports.

ASTEX is a platform for exchange of experience and discussion of communication market trends and technologies. The 2014 ASTEX focuses on e-commerce. In addition, the exhibition showcases the latest three-dimensional holographic imaging technology, virtual fitting room, 3D printers and other innovations of the global communication technology market. It is the second time ASTEX is held in Kazakhstan. It is organized by the Communication and Information Agency of Kazakhstan, national communication holding Zerde, and ICT Development Fund in partnership with mobile network operators Beeline, Kcell and Kazakhtelecom national company.

Speaking about importance Internet access, Chairman of Zerde national communication company, one of the exhibition's organizers, Mirbolat Ayupov said that in 2013 71.1% of Kazakhstan's population had access to the Internet. By 2020, the penetration would reach 75%, he said, but many experts believe that this will occur even earlier. 

Over 900 thousand people in Kazakhstan (out of its 17 million population) make payments through the Internet, he said. They are mostly made to purchase good in online stores.

Kazakhstan Communication and Information Agency Chairman Askar Zhumagaliyev said that that e-commerce turnover in Kazakhstan amounted to around $600 million. For Kazakhstan it was an important step forwards development and popularization of the innovative technologies and approaches.

He noted that Kazakhstan's E-Government was ranked 38th out of 190 in the UN's World E-Government Development Index and 2nd by electronic participation index together with Singapore, where as in 2010 Kazakhstan was ranked 16th in the latter index.

4G network is already available in Kazakhstan’s large cities. And Kazakhstan now is closely eyeing 5G. First Deputy Chairman of the Communication and Information Agency of Kazakhstan Saken Sarsenov said that it was quite possible that Kazakhstan would launch a 5G network as soon as the technology is out in 2017. "We have all the innovations and technologies in place here in Kazakhstan. The world is now developing 5G, and the project may be ready by around 2017. I think that Kazakhstan's market will be ready for it by that time, too," he said.

Reported by Assemgul Kassenova, writing by Assel Satubaldina, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina