Long-Awaited Satellite to Train WiFi Service to Debut in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is set to become the latest country to introduce a satellite-delivered WiFi on trains service. The country was once home to a trial of satellite-delivered connectivity to trains way back in 2006, but the system was moth-balled following a lengthy trial.

Now, the state-owned rail operator will follow in the footsteps of Brightline in the USA, ScotRail in the UK and Lithuanian Railways in adopting satellite as a way of keeping trains connected to the Internet. Other train companies, including SNCF and Deutsche Bahn are known to be mulling a trial of similar services.

The Minister for Digital Development in the Republic, Zhaslan Madiyev, told national news agency, Qazinform, that Satellite internet is set to be introduced on Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) trains and Air Astana aircraft this year. KTZ operates a vast network of 16,000km of track and has some 3,000 inter-city coaches.

According to Mr Madiyev, three satellite internet operators are currently active in Kazakhstan, and two more foreign companies are expected to enter the market soon. Pilot testing of the technology is scheduled for 2026. It is not clear which company will be working with KTZ.

In addition, the government of the former Soviet Republic has laid out plans to expand mobile network coverage along highways. The initiative will cover approximately 40,000km of national and regional roads, with completion expected within the next two years.

The minister also addressed the development of 5G mobile networks. “Currently, 5G is available in 20 cities. We plan to cover up to 75% of these cities’ territories,” he said – leaving the goal slightly ambiguous.

The spread of on-board WiFi services, trackside wireless delivery and the increasing use of LEO satellites to boost connectivity will all be fully discussed at the 2026 WiFi on Trains Conference, hosted by BWCS in London (www.Traincomms.com ).

The Main Sponsors for Traincomms 2025 were Icomera and Huber+Suhner, Westermo, Antonics, Unwired and Nomad Digital also Sponsored the Conference.

Xentrans, CGI, and Lantech were the Expo Sponsors

For more information on attending next year’s Conference please contact [email protected]

The full programme for the 2026 Traincomms Conference (not yet finalised) can be reserved here: https://www.traincomms.com/#content2b