A new law has been adopted with the aim of improving the accessibility and quality of communication services across the entire territory of Kazakhstan.

The amendments in the field of communications are aimed at developing communication infrastructure, creating favorable conditions for attracting advanced telecommunications technologies, and ensuring access to communication services for the country's population.

In particular, to support persons with disabilities, the authorized body in the field of communications will assign obligations to communication operators to provide them with discounted tariffs. Communication operators are also given the opportunity to rent, free of charge, the supports of overhead power lines for laying fiber-optic communication lines owned by the state.

To provide internet access to remote areas, fiber-optic communication lines will be built along republican and regional highways. Plans for the development of populated areas will include designated locations for communication network infrastructure.

A new market participant is being introduced into the communications sector — the virtual communication operator, which will use the infrastructure of one or more mobile network operators. To begin operations, a virtual communication operator must obtain the appropriate license from the authorized body in the field of communications.

According to the new amendments, communication operators will be required to implement the CellBroadcast technology for rapid notification of emergencies. Local authorities will monitor the operation of emergency service systems, and maximum tariffs for renting space for communication equipment will be established.

Additionally, amendments in the field of innovation and digitalization provide for the introduction of the "Single Window of the National Innovation System" and define the competencies of central state bodies within this system.

Annual reporting to the Innovation Observatory is mandated regarding the implementation of measures to develop innovations and technologies, enabling independent analysis of the innovation system's effectiveness and monitoring the implementation of state technology policy in the regions.

Endowment funds are now permitted to support innovative projects and new startups within scientific and educational organizations.

Source: gov.kz