Beeline Kazakhstan partners with Starlink to expand satellite connectivity across countryBeeline Kazakhstan has entered into a partnership with Starlink Direct to Cell to provide satellite-based connectivity across Kazakhstan, including remote regions not covered by terrestrial networks, the Kazakh Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development said in a Friday press release.“During Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States, Beeline Kazakhstan and the ministry signed a memorandum of understanding supporting plans to implement Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology,” the press release says.Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev said the partnership would help expand communications access in the country’s hard-to-reach regions.“Integrating the orbital network with the cellular network will expand coverage and provide connectivity in areas where deploying traditional infrastructure is economically unfeasible. The ability to send a message directly from a phone in an area without cellular coverage but with satellite access enhances citizens’ safety and, without exaggeration, can save lives,” Madiyev was quoted as saying.According to a commercial agreement signed in September, the launch of satellite messaging services is planned for 2026, with mobile internet services to follow later.VEON Ltd., the majority shareholder of Beeline Kazakhstan, has also signed a global framework agreement with Starlink to deploy Direct to Cell technology in all markets where VEON operates, becoming the first global telecom operator to do so.VEON Ltd. is a digital operator providing converged communication and digital services to nearly 160 million customers. The company is listed on NASDAQ.Beeline Kazakhstan serves 11.8 million mobile subscribers and two million fixed-line internet users. Since 2018, the company has been implementing a digital operator strategy and has developed an ecosystem of about 60 internal and external digital products. The controlling stake in Beeline Kazakhstan is held by VEON Ltd.Starlink Direct to Cell operates the world’s largest satellite constellation, with over 650 satellites in low Earth orbit, providing data, voice, video, and messaging services in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. More than 7 million users across five continents are already connected to the system. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX