Telecommunications is a leading sector and continues to be one of the most promising areas for foreign investment. An upgrade to the Honeycomb communication service (AMPS standard) is under way in 10 regional centres; trunk communications are developed; personal pager services are expanding in 12 cities and towns; and Internet and telefax are available. In 2001 and 2002, Kazakhstan opened two Internet Data Centres (IDC) in Astana and Pavlodar for 10,000 users each. The IDCs are a cooperative venture between Kazakhtelecom and Lockheed Martin Telecommunications – and the first of their kind in the former Soviet Union.
At present, Kazakhtelekom, a National Joint Stock Company, provides local and international telecommunications services. As the national operator and owner of a network of general-use telecommunications facilities, it offers a range of communications and includes all oblast and urban telecommunication enterprises, as well as 12 large enterprises, such as the National Telegraph, Almaty Broadcasting Station, the National Trunk Line, and others.
Under the implementation of the development of the telecommunications industry of Kazakhstan for 2006-2008, activities for the development of the telecommunications industry led to reach following results: the density of fixed telephone lines – 20.8 per 100 citizens, the density of cellular subscribers – 87 per 100 citizens, internet users – 11 per 100 citizens.
The transportation infrastructure in Kazakhstan consists of an ever-expanding web of pipelines, railways, aerial routes, water transport routes, highways, and mail routes, rapidly crossing Central Asia for the betterment of citizens, business partners, and travelers alike.
The dispersion of natural resources and centers of economic activity make the transport sector a most important one for the well being of the national economy, particularly in order to spur investment in Kazakhstan’s promising agricultural sector and regional markets. In an effort to create favorable conditions for foreign and domestic investors, goal-oriented and consistent investment policies are pursued within the transport sector with strong incentives for the attraction of direct investment in all areas of infrastructure and communication complex.
The Government is providing strong incentives for the attraction of direct investment in all areas of infrastructure, as infrastructure has become a top priority. A competitive environment exists today, is being fostered further, and with some exceptions, monopolies are restricted in order to encourage an open and efficient transportation and communication services market.
