Digital Connectivity of Eurasia Discussed at Digital Qazaqstan 2026

A panel session entitled "Digital Connectivity of Eurasia: Telecom Networks and Data Infrastructure" was held on the sidelines of the Digital Qazaqstan 2026 forum.

During the discussion, participants examined the development of telecommunications infrastructure as the foundation of the digital economy and Kazakhstan's transit potential. Particular attention was paid to the evolution of communication networks — from basic and backbone infrastructure to next-generation networks — the development of cross-border data transmission routes and data centres, and Kazakhstan's role as a digital hub between Europe and Asia.

Panel participants included GSMA Strategy Development Director Tair Ismailov (moderator), Deputy Chairman of the Telecommunications Committee of the Ministry of AI and Digital Development Olzhas Kabenov, ITU Regional Office Director for the CIS region Natalia Mochu, Freedom Cloud Director Temirlan Zinalabdin, and Kazakhtelecom JSC Chief Strategy and External Asset Management Officer Nurlan Meyrmanov.

"Kazakhstan's independence in digital infrastructure means developing its own hub and alternative data transmission routes, including via the Caspian Sea. At the same time, the deployment of new technologies and artificial intelligence is directly linked to the development of telecom infrastructure," noted Deputy Chairman of the Telecommunications Committee Olzhas Kabenov.

At the conclusion of the session, participants emphasised that the further development of telecommunications infrastructure, international communication channels, and data centres will be the key factor in strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a digital transit hub in Eurasia.