Kazakhstan Temir Zholy national company announced that 59 trains have been connected to satellite internet. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Which trains have internet access?
Currently, trains with internet operate on 31 routes. Key routes include:
- 01Nurly Zhol – Almaty
- 02Nurly Zhol – Oskemen
- 03Nurly Zhol – Oral
- 04Nurly Zhol – Petropavl
- 05Almaty-2 – Oskemen
- 06Kyzylorda – Semey
- 07Aktobe – Almaty-1
- 08Mangystau – Aktobe
- 09Oral – Mangystau
- 10Aktobe – Kazaly
- 11Aktobe – Atyrau
- 12Pavlodar – Almaty
By the end of September, plans are to equip 124 trains on 50 routes, i.e., 1,235 carriages, with satellite internet.
What tariffs will be available?
Currently, the internet connection speed via satellite communication channel reaches up to 100 Mbps. According to company specialists, passengers are offered a free basic internet package. Within this package, text messaging via WhatsApp and Telegram messengers is not charged.
"For passengers who want to use other internet services more widely and increase traffic volume, additional tariff packages are planned," said company specialists.
Additionally, satellite internet enables the development of multimedia, informational, and other digital services on trains.
OneWeb and Starlink systems
Currently, low-orbit satellite systems OneWeb and Starlink are used to provide internet on trains. In 2025, tests were conducted on trains on five routes: Astana – Almaty, Astana – Oskemen, Astana – Burabay, Astana – Semey, and Almaty – Mangyshlak. In 2026, a decision was made to widely implement the project.
To connect to the internet on the train, one must select the Wi-Fi network and undergo authorization. After that, text messages can be sent via WhatsApp and Telegram messengers.