Kazakhstan’s largest communications service provider, Kcell, has selected Ericsson as a 5G radio access network (5G RAN) partner in a seven-year partnership aimed at accelerating Kazakhstan’s digital transformation and widespread adoption of 5G technology.
Following 25 years of successful cooperation between Kcell and Ericsson, the partnership envisions a roadmap spanning the period 2023 to 2030, during which both companies will work in tandem to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and strengthen the country's technology infrastructure.
The parties have reached an agreement to deploy Ericsson's state-of-the-art 5G technology over a significant area encompassing at least 50% of Kazakhstan's territory. The deployment will cover key regions including Almaty, Shymkent, and several others, contributing to the growth of both urban and rural connectivity.
An aspect of this collaboration described as innovative is the implementation of a single RAN approach for the 5G deployment. This approach involves the seamless integration of 5G into the existing 2G, 3G and 4G infrastructure, maximising the efficient use of network resources and simplifying the transition to the new technology.
Andrea Missori, Head of South East Mediterranean and Eurasia, Ericsson, sees the extension of this partnership with Kcell as marking “a significant milestone towards positioning Kazakhstan at the forefront of Eurasia telecommunications innovation”.
He adds: “We are building a network of the future that will not only offer superior connectivity for Kcell customers but also deliver an innovation platform that can help to transform industries and pave the way to a more connected digital society, fostering economic growth and societal advancement.”
