Cellular Backhaul in Kazakhstan: Bridging the Connectivity Gap

Kazakhstan, the ninth-largest country in the world, boasts vast landscapes, sparse population distribution, and regions of immense economic potential. Yet, these very features present unique challenges to nationwide connectivity. In a digital-first era, cellular backhaul solutions, especially via satellite have emerged as a game-changing enabler of transformation across sectors.

Why Cellular Backhaul Is Essential for Kazakhstan

Geographically, Kazakhstan is expansive, with a population density of just 7.65 people/km² despite a total population of 20 million. Approximately 1,200 villages still lack mobile broadband, and around 630 hard-to-reach villages remain without any cellular signal. This digital exclusion hampers growth, service access, and innovation.

Cellular backhaul, which connects remote mobile base stations to the core network, becomes crucial here. Without the need to lay fibre-optic cables across challenging terrain, satellite-enabled backhaul provides an agile, scalable, and cost-effective alternative, essential for connecting dispersed populations and supporting nationwide digitalisation efforts.

Understanding Cellular Backhaul

Cellular backhaul refers to the communication link between a mobile network’s core and its edge (base stations or towers). It carries user data, signaling, and control traffic back to central servers, enabling seamless internet and voice services.

Traditionally powered via fibre or microwave links, cellular backhaul in rugged terrains like Kazakhstan’s is better served through satellite connectivity, especially LEO (Low Earth Orbit) networks like Starlink. This removes dependency on ground infrastructure, making it ideal for scaling coverage across remote regions.

Why the Connectivity Gap Exists

Kazakhstan’s current mobile network coverage is concentrated in urban centers. Although 92% of the population uses the internet, this statistic masks a deep urban-rural divide. The challenge stems from:

• Sparse settlements across regions like Ulytau and Mangystau
• Harsh climates and rugged terrain, making fibre deployment cost-prohibitive
• Low ROI for MNOs in investing in traditional infrastructure for remote areas

To address this, cellular operators require a backhaul solution that’s flexible, fast to deploy, and economically sustainable.

Cellular Backhaul via Starlink: A Scalable Solution for GSM Operators

Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation offers a high-bandwidth, low-latency alternative to traditional satellite systems—making it an ideal solution for GSM operators looking to expand network coverage into underserved regions.

Starlink was officially launched in Kazakhstan on 13^th August, unlocking new opportunities for the regional telecom operators.

With Starlink, GSM service providers can:

• Expand coverage without the cost of terrestrial infrastructure, eliminating the need for fibre or microwave links in remote areas.
• Ensure high service quality, inherent to the Starlink network, thanks to its low latency, high bandwidth, ideal for supporting 4G and 5G rollouts even in hard-to-reach locations.

Globally, Starlink has proven its impact: in rural Nigeria, it enabled a 45% increase in network traffic across more than 100 base stations.

Key Features of Starlink for GSM Operators:

• Inter-Satellite Laser Links for Reliable Routing
  Starlink’s satellite constellation is equipped with advanced inter-satellite laser links, allowing data to be routed through space without relying on ground station. For GSM operators, this means more resilient and uninterrupted mobile service in both rural and high-demand environments.

• Low Latency Comparable to Fibre
  With latency as low as 20–40 ms, Starlink’s performance rivals traditional terrestrial networks, essential for seamless voice calls, real-time applications, and 5G services.

• High Bandwidth for Data-Intensive Services
  Starlink supports high-throughput backhaul, making it suitable for dense traffic zones or base stations serving high user volumes, especially useful during peak hours or seasonal spikes.

• Quick and Scalable Deployment
  Starlink terminals can be installed in hours, not weeks, allowing GSM operators to rapidly expand coverage or restore service after outages or disasters without long lead times.

• Cost Efficiency
  Starlink backhaul is up to 7x more affordable than traditional satellite options (according to Analysys Mason), reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for rural expansion projects.

Cellular Backhaul Stimulating Digital Economy in Kazakhstan

Cellular backhaul via Starlink offers GSM operators a powerful opportunity to extend their network footprint far beyond the limits of terrestrial infrastructure. By delivering high-speed, low-latency satellite connectivity to remote and underserved regions, operators can seamlessly integrate new coverage areas into their existing mobile networks.

This approach not only bridges connectivity gaps but also stimulates demand for digital products and services in remote areas. From rural communities to remote industrial sites and eco-tourism destinations, GSM operators empowered by Starlink backhaul will be in a position to reach every part of the country. Let’s review the most prominent use cases that illustrate the transformative impact of this technology.

Let’s review the use cases for cellular backhaul by new target audiences.

Use Case 1: Enabling SME Growth in Rural Kazakhstan

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Kazakhstan’s economic diversification strategy, driving innovation, job creation, and regional development. Yet, many remote SMEs remain excluded from the benefits of digitalisation due to limited connectivity. Cellular backhaul, supported by satellite infrastructure, provides the reliable, high-capacity links these businesses need to fully participate in the modern economy.

Enhanced connectivity enables:

• E-commerce and POS transactions, ensuring seamless payment processing and online sales.

• Access to cloud-based solutions for resource planning, customer management, and data storage.

• Participation in online tenders and government e-services, expanding opportunities for contracts and compliance.

• Remote staff training and collaboration platforms, improving productivity and knowledge sharing across dispersed teams.

With dependable internet access, remote SMEs can integrate with national and global markets, access financial services, and harness advanced digital tools, transforming isolation into a platform for innovation and growth.

Use Case 2: Serving Rural Communities

Kazakhstan is actively promoting internal migration to strategically important yet underpopulated regions, offering infrastructure investments and incentives to encourage resettlement. Reliable connectivity, delivered through satellite backhaul, plays a critical role in ensuring these communities are not only relocated but fully integrated into the digital economy and social life of the nation.

Satellite-enabled services support:

• Access to digital government services for registration, documentation, and administrative support for newcomers.

• Affordable, high-quality online education and telemedicine, reducing the need for long-distance travel to urban centres.

• Opportunities for remote work and online business, enabling economic participation without geographic constraints.

• Digital infotainment and cultural content, enhancing quality of life and promoting social integration.

By combining infrastructure development with reliable digital access, migrating populations gain the tools to thrive, contribute to local economies, and build sustainable communities.

Use Case 3: Elevating Remote Enterprises to Headquarters-Level Capability

Enterprises operating in remote regions have often faced limitations due to the absence of robust digital infrastructure. With IEC Telecom’s Starlink Land Portfolio delivering high-speed, low-latency satellite connectivity, these sites can now integrate seamlessly into the same digital ecosystem as their headquarters.

Reliable backhaul connectivity enables remote enterprises to:

• Replicate headquarters-level operations, accessing cloud ERP systems, enterprise communication tools, and collaborative platforms regardless of location.

• Execute mission-critical tasks in real time, including remote diagnostics, performance monitoring, and logistics coordination, with the same efficiency as central offices.

• Scale and adapt rapidly, meeting evolving business needs without the delays and costs associated with terrestrial network expansion.

By connecting remote operations to central systems with the same speed, security, and functionality as their HQ, enterprises can operate as a unified, high-performance organisation, no matter the distance.

Use Case 4: Eco-Tourism and the Digital Experience

Eco-tourism is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan, attracting $1.8 billion in tourism investments in 2024, with a focus on national parks and nature reserves. With a 40% rise in eco-tourists over the last three years, digital infrastructure has become critical for:

• E-booking platforms for travel and accommodation

• E-commerce services for local crafts and goods

• POS transactions and KYC programs for on-site purchases and registrations

• Digital storytelling and geotagged social sharing to enhance visitor experiences

Starlink-enabled backhaul ensures tourists stay connected, and destinations stay discoverable.

IEC Telecom’s Value-Added Offerings

Beyond basic connectivity, IEC Telecom supports cellular backhaul with value-added services tailored for remote and rural operations:

• Advanced network management via intuitive and scalable OptiView portal

• Flexible tariff plans with advanced network management

• Shared plans for multiple users with the ability to reallocate balance, ensuring every GB is used to its full potential.

• Backup channel included: even if the main network is temporarily unavailable, we guarantee continuity of key business processes and stable technical support connectivity.

• No long-term commitments and the option to temporarily suspend the subscription.

Our mission is not only to connect, but to enable sustainable digital growth for remote communities, SMEs and enterprises in partnership with GSM operators.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan stands at a digital crossroads. With its ambitious plans for rural development, tourism, and economic diversification, satellite-based cellular backhaul emerges as a critical pillar.

Starlink’s LEO network, backed by IEC Telecom’s managed services, offers:

• Cost-effective, fast deployment
• High-quality, scalable connectivity
• Proven performance in remote environments

Expanded access to high-speed data services will play a pivotal role in reinforcing Kazakhstan’s ambition to build an advanced, resilient, and inclusive digital economy. GSM operators, empowered by Starlink backhaul, will be well-positioned to connect even the most remote regions, enabling even access to governmental e-services across the country. Cellular backhaul will unlock the economic potential of remote areas, empowering communities, enterprises and SMEs. By bridging the gap between urban and rural connectivity, this technology can foster innovation, attract investment, and stimulate demand for new digital services across diverse market segments in Kazakhstan.

IEC Telecom’s network solutions can further enhance this transformation by providing advanced visibility and control over Starlink performance. With capabilities for secure, dependable, and manageable service delivery, tools such as OptiView enable operators to maintain consistent quality of service, optimise network resources, and adapt quickly to evolving user needs