Start of the year: which operators surprised with innovations in Central Asia

Kazakhstan

«Beeline Kazakhstan»

In early 2025, «Beeline Kazakhstan» continues to strengthen its market position by implementing advanced technologies and receiving international recognition. 

1. Leader in Artificial Intelligence

Beeline Kazakhstan and its IT company QazCode became winners of the international GSMA Foundry Excellence Award 2025 in the «Artificial Intelligence» category. The award was granted for the development of Kaz-LLM — the first Kazakhstani large language model capable of processing requests in the Kazakh language. This project was the result of cooperation with GSMA and the Barcelona supercomputer center.

2. Implementation of VoWiFi Technology 

Also, Beeline Kazakhstan began testing VoWiFi technology, which allows making calls via Wi-Fi networks. This is particularly relevant for areas with poor mobile coverage, such as basements, remote areas, or abroad.

3. Updates in Mobile Applications

Beeline Kazakhstan continues to develop its digital services. The Janymda app, formerly «My Beeline», now offers users a wider range of services, including mobile communication management, payment for internet and bank loans, as well as access to digital financial services.

Tele2 / ALTEL

Tele2 / ALTEL started 2025 confidently, focusing on the development of 5G and technological innovations.

Tele2 / ALTEL conducted a large-scale update of its 5G network in seven major cities of Kazakhstan — Shymkent, Turkistan, Kyzylorda, Aktau, Atyrau, Aktobe, and Uralsk. This significantly increased internet speed and connection stability for users.

1. Strategic Sale and Management Changes

In January 2025, the Qatari holding Power International Holding acquired a 100% stake in «Mobile Telecom-Service» LLP, the operator of the Tele2 and Altel brands. 

In the same month, there were changes in the company's management: Alexander Babichev took the position of Chairman of the Board. The new manager has over 20 years of experience in the industry, including 15 years of work at the company itself.

2. Technological Innovations

In March, Tele2 / ALTEL presented two key technological solutions:
— VoWiFi — the ability to make calls via Wi-Fi in areas with weak mobile network signal
— Standalone 5G — a fully autonomous 5G network providing record speeds up to 4000 Mbit/s and minimal latency, opening new opportunities for users.

«Kazakhtelecom» 

In 2025, «Kazakhtelecom» took a number of significant strategic steps, strengthening its positions in the Kazakhstan telecommunications market and on the international stage.

1. Asset Sale and Resource Reallocation

In January, the company completed the sale of a 100% stake in «Mobile Telecom-Service» LLP to the Qatari holding Power International Holding for $700 million. This became one of the largest deals in the Kazakhstani telecom sector in recent years.

After the deal, «Kazakhtelecom» focused on developing its own infrastructure, investing 215 billion tenge in digitalization, network modernization, and technological projects. The main emphasis was placed on the implementation of 5G, optical access, creation of backbone networks, and cybersecurity systems.

2. New Partnerships and International Cooperation

In spring 2025, it became known that Telecom Systems became a shareholder of «Kazakhtelecom», opening up additional opportunities for technological development and expanding partnerships.

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the company signed memorandums of cooperation with China Telecom, China Unicom, and PCCW, strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a digital bridge between Asia and Europe.

3. Infrastructure Development and Data Center Construction

Another important step was the announcement of the construction of a new data center in the city of Kosshi near Astana. 14.3 billion tenge has been allocated for the project, with work scheduled for 2025.

The data center will include 248 IT equipment racks with a total power of 3.5 megawatts. Cooling systems are also provided to ensure safe equipment operation.

Kyrgyzstan

MEGA 

This year, MEGA celebrates 19 years of successful operation, continuing to expand digital opportunities and improve connection quality in Kyrgyzstan.

1. Information Technology in Public Services 

Also at the beginning of the year, MEGA signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services. One of the key areas was the implementation of a unified QR code standard. Now, individual QR codes can be generated for more than 50 digital services of the ministry. These services are available in 60 service centers across the country.

2. Social Initiative

On the eve of March 8, MEGA, together with the IT school MegaLab, launched a social project IT Mama for women striving for financial independence and career growth in IT. 

3. Expansion of 4G Coverage in Naryn Region

The company completed the installation of new base stations in high-altitude villages. This significantly improved connection quality and internet access for local residents.

4. MegaPay Updates

The MegaPay application received a number of useful features:
— electronic school registration — parents can enroll their child online in just a few minutes
— online queue registration at the Public Service Center — convenient interaction with public services
— mortgage payment and management through integration with the State Mortgage Company.

«Beeline Kyrgyzstan»

In the first weeks of 2025, the «Beeline Kyrgyzstan» operator focused on expanding and modernizing its mobile network to ensure stable connectivity and faster internet.

During January and early February, about 80 base stations were installed and modernized across the country, improving voice call quality and mobile internet speed.

1. Jalal-Abad Region — nearly 20 base stations in the city and its surroundings have been improved. 
2. Osh Region — network modernization was carried out in the villages of the region.  
3. Osh — new base stations were installed, improving connection quality in the central districts of the city. 
4. Batken Region — the network in the settlements of the region has been improved. 
5. Bishkek — work continues on network optimization for stable connectivity even during peak hours.

MBANK

MBANK became the first bank in Kyrgyzstan to implement a remote money request function via POS terminals. Now customers can request transfers without personal contact, making transactions more convenient and secure.

The bank became the winner of the Project of the Year competition from GLOBAL CIO, receiving the award in the «Best Project in Data Storage and Management» nomination. 

MBANK began cooperation with the international payment platform Thunes, allowing customers to instantly transfer money to China online. Thanks to the partnership, users can now make transactions without delays to 160 countries around the world, ensuring transparency and reliability of transfers.

Uzbekistan

Ucell

Ucell started the year with impressive results and large-scale technological initiatives, strengthening its positions in the Uzbekistan telecommunications market.

1. The Fastest Mobile Network in the Country

As a result of 2024, the international company Ookla twice recognized Ucell as the operator with the fastest mobile network in Uzbekistan — in both the first and second halves of the year. 

2. Infrastructure Expansion: Cooperation with the Metro

The company continues its joint project with the Tashkent Metro, signing a memorandum of cooperation. This allows passengers to use stable 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity at stations, improving internet access during trips.

3. Innovative Solutions for Corporate Clients

At the «INNOPROM. Central Asia» exhibition, Ucell presented a wide range of digital services for business, including:
— scoring and personnel control
— data center
— Internet of Things and cloud technology solutions
— digital transformation of business
— high-speed 5G internet.

4. International Recognition

At the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Ucell received a prestigious award from Ookla for the fastest internet. It was also noted that over the past three years, the company has invested $389 million in the development of the telecommunications industry and the digital economy of Uzbekistan.

«Beeline Uzbekistan»

«Beeline Uzbekistan» started 2025 with a large-scale network modernization, the introduction of new tariffs, and the expansion of digital services.

1. Large-Scale Network Modernization

In January 2025, «Beeline Uzbekistan» updated more than 150 base stations in Tashkent, ten regions, and the Karakalpakstan Republic, improving connection quality and internet speed. In the Fergana Region, about 90 stations were modernized, and overall, more than 220 stations are planned to be updated in 2025 across the country.

The FinTech service Beepul, launched by VEON Group, demonstrated a threefold revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025. The service offers users convenient features such as balance top-up with 25% cashback, OSAGO insurance policy issuance, and the release of virtual UZCARD and HUMO cards.

2. New Head of Technology and Innovation 

In April 2025, Gediz Sezgin, former CTO of Turkcell, was appointed Director of Technology and Innovation at Beeline Uzbekistan. Sezgin has over 28 years of experience in the telecommunications industry and will be responsible for the development of network and IT infrastructure, innovation implementation, and improving cybersecurity.

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