MT-S, the operator of the Tele2 and Altel brands, and the Akimat of the Kostanay region have signed a memorandum of strategic partnership to develop the region's telecommunications infrastructure. This agreement promises to significantly improve access to high-speed 5G internet for residents of Kostanay and remote areas, turning the region into a true digital hub.
In 2026, Tele2/Altel intends to launch 24 new 5G base stations and at least 40 new LTE+ sites in Kostanay and the region, while also upgrading 25 existing stations in the city and districts. The total number of base stations will increase to 400 by the end of the year, 74 of which will support 5G technologies. Eight settlements will receive high-speed internet access as part of the regional broadband project.
"This year is dedicated to digitalization and artificial intelligence," noted Kumar Aksakalov, Akim of the Kostanay region. "This is practical work that is contributing to the development of the region's economy and improving the quality of life for residents of our region. I would like to point out that our IT sector is developing quite rapidly. For example, by the end of 2025, we will have approximately 340 companies working in this field. They generate approximately 650 million tenge in tax revenue, with a 30 percent annual growth rate. Our IT companies are also exporting their services. Industrial enterprises are actively installing automation and robotic systems."
Under the memorandum, the Akimat of Kostanay Region will coordinate services, expedite land permits, and network connections, including electricity.

For residents, this means improved connection stability and a reduction in "blind spots"—areas where coverage is unavailable or does not meet modern standards of quality. In practical terms, this gives residents faster video downloads and access to online learning and telemedicine.

CEO Tele2/Altel also noted that investment in the region this year will more than double the 2025 target. In total, over the past three years, investments in network construction and modernization projects in the region have totaled over 5 billion tenge.
"The Kostanay region development program includes not only 5G construction within Kostanay city limits, but also participation in the development of single-industry towns," noted Alexander Babichev, Chairman of the Board of Tele2/Altel. "During the meeting, we discussed the possibility of constructing 5G base stations in Rudny, Lisakovsk, Arkalyk, and Zhitikara. It is important to provide equal internet access to residents, regardless of city size—this is the foundation of successful digitalization."
Tele2 has repeatedly proven the technological superiority of its network. For example, based on the 2025 results, Tele2 received the international SpeedChecker Champion Award for "Fastest Mobile Communications in Kazakhstan." Shortly before this, the company was awarded the Speedtest Award from Ookla in the category "Best 5G Network in Kazakhstan" for the first half of 2025.
The signing of the memorandum reflects the parties' shared interest in the sustainable development of the region's digital ecosystem. The project has not only technological but also socioeconomic significance: the development of communications facilitates growth in entrepreneurship, expands opportunities for education, healthcare, and government services, and improves the quality of life of the population.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1167743?lang=kk