"I Don't Like It Either" – Vice Minister on Rising Mobile Rates

Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Digital Development, Askhat Orazbek, has addressed the recent increase in mobile communication rates, Orda.kz reports.

Speaking to journalists, Orazbek emphasized that he was sharing his personal view, not just his official stance.

I don’t like that rates are rising. As a citizen, this doesn't sit well with me. I understand people’s frustration. But as a vice minister, I also see the reasons behind it. So, my answer is somewhat mixed,  he said.

Journalists also reminded Orazbek of his previous statement that a new telecom operator could enter the Kazakhstani market if Kcell, Beeline, and the new owner of Tele2/Altel fail to improve service quality and pricing policies.

When asked whether this was an attempt to pressure operators, he dismissed the claim.

Not at all. Since there are no concrete plans for a new operator, we cannot talk about applying any pressure. We currently have no direct tools to influence telecom companies. If the three existing operators compete effectively, there’s no need for a new player,  Orazbek explained.

Meanwhile, the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition is investigating possible collusion between Kcell, Tele2/Altel, and Beeline regarding rate increases. The operators had initially planned to raise prices in December 2024 but were issued a warning by regulators.

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova