Digitalization is gradually becoming an integral part of everyday life. Today, mobile connectivity and internet access are no longer simply means of communication, but essential infrastructure needed to access government and financial services, distance learning, work, online shopping and a wide range of other digital services. The availability of mobile internet is therefore becoming an important indicator of people’s quality of life.
Despite the active development of telecommunications infrastructure, growing investment and government measures to expand coverage, the availability of mobile internet in Kazakhstan still varies significantly by region.
According to a sample survey by the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, mobile internet was available to 96.7% of households in Kazakhstan in 2026. A year earlier, the figure stood at 96.2%. Formally, this means that virtually every household has access to mobile internet. However, the statistics show that the situation is far from uniform: the high national average continues to mask significant disparities between regions.
Where mobile internet is most accessible
Full coverage of 100% was recorded in four regions — Abai, Atyrau and Turkistan Regions, as well as Astana city. It should be noted, however, that the data are based on a sample survey of around 12 thousand households and reflect survey results rather than a comprehensive statistical census.
Another seven regions also recorded levels above the national average — Mangystau, Karaganda, Almaty, Zhambyl and Aktobe Regions, as well as Almaty city and Shymkent city.
Where the digital divide persists
The lowest figures were recorded in Akmola, North Kazakhstan and West Kazakhstan Regions.
Akmola Region stands out in particular, with mobile internet available to just 81.2% of households. This means that nearly one in five households remains without access to mobile internet. The reasons may vary, including the high cost of telecommunications services, rising tariffs, a lack of modern mobile devices among some households, as well as insufficient network coverage in certain settlements.
In North Kazakhstan Region, the coverage rate stands at 86.8%, while in West Kazakhstan Region it is 90%.
Below-average levels were also recorded in Kyzylorda, Kostanay, Ulytau, East Kazakhstan, Pavlodar and Zhetisu Regions, where the figure ranges from 90% to 96.6%.
As a result, the gap between the leading and lagging regions reaches almost 19 percentage points: while mobile internet is available to virtually all households in some regions, up to 20% of households in others remain without access.
Thus, despite the high national average for mobile internet availability — at least according to official data — the digital divide remains a relevant issue. This means that further development of telecommunications infrastructure should focus not only on expanding overall coverage, but also on reducing regional disparities to ensure that residents across all regions of Kazakhstan have equal access to digital services.