Investments cannot be secured without compromises, according to the Digital Ministry, regarding unfavorable terms for Altel and Tele2 subscribers.
In a significant development, the governments of Kazakhstan and Qatar have entered into a long-term strategic partnership aimed at developing priority sector projects. This partnership was announced in a March 2024 agreement, as confirmed by Malik Olzhabekov, Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan.
During a Senate briefing, Olzhabekov also addressed the current situation of Altel and Tele2, two telecommunications companies owned by a Qatari company. He stated that there are no plans for significant changes in tariffs for these companies, with any changes, if they occur, being within the scope of inflation adjustments.
The Vice Minister further explained that partners come with certain conditions, and concessions are necessary to attract investments. However, no specific details about the investments to be attracted were provided.
Meanwhile, the Almaty Appeal Court has decided that state bodies cannot prevent Altel and Tele2 from increasing tariffs until the end of 2026. This decision was not related to any accusations of overcharging against "Kazakhtelecom."
Olzhabekov also noted that the sale of the company will help attract significant investments in the telecommunications industry. Despite the potential sale, he clarified that no specific buyer has been identified as of yet.
It is important to note that this long-term strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Qatar is focused on developing priority sector projects. However, no specific details about the projects or the unfavorable sales conditions were provided.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that this partnership represents a significant step forward in the telecommunications sector of Kazakhstan, with the potential to bring about substantial investments and improvements.
