Kazakhstan Railway launches OneWeb-powered internet on its Almaty-Astana train

The company has pledged to ensure stable internet access throughout the route / Photo: Kazakhstan Temir Zholy

Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company in Kazakhstan, has launched a satellite internet connection powered by British Eutelsat OneWeb on a train operating the Astana-Almaty route. According to the company’s press service, the project is currently in its pilot phase and is planned to expand across all 15 routes served by the Talgo high-speed trains.

It takes 17 hours to travel by train from Astana to Almaty, and now, one train in the KTZ’s fleet offers a stable internet connection to all 500 passengers throughout the journey.

The quality of the internet allows passengers to make video calls via WhatsApp, watch videos on YouTube and browse other popular websites. However, access to websites featuring content downloads is restricted.

According to KTZ, the locomotive is equipped with satellite hardware that ensures stable and high-speed internet access throughout the entire journey, making the traveling experience more comfortable and entertaining.

«This project will allow passengers to stay connected, work and unwind simultaneously. We plan to expand the service, starting with the connection of all 15 Talgo-operated routes in the future,» stated Anuar Akhmetzhanov, the head of the Passenger Transportation company.

The project has been implemented through the cooperation between the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Digital Development, the Jusan Mobile telecommunication company and the official distributor of Eutelsat OneWeb’s services in Kazakhstan.

“Implementing a pilot project to deliver internet powered by a low Earth orbit satellite constellation on KTZ trains marks a significant milestone in the digitalization of transportation facilities. Together with our partners, we have demonstrated that even under challenging conditions, we can provide passengers with a high-speed, stable internet connection ranging from 50 to 100 megabits per second. This achievement broadens the horizons for the country’s further digitalization while enhancing travel comfort for Kazakhstan’s citizens,” Zhaslan Madiyev, the minister of digital development, said in a statement.

With the help of a stable internet connection on trains, passengers will be able to pay for their meals in restaurant cars via POS devices. The project also involves train attendants verifying tickets via mobile devices and train masters having body cameras. On top of that, CCTV systems will be installed, with footage saved in cloud storage, enhancing control and safety measures.