10 Nov 2009 16:28

Kazakhstan could install 4G networks in 2010

ASTANA. Nov 10 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan could start installation of fourth generation cellular communications in 2010, the head of the State Agency for Informatization and Communications, Kuanyshbek Yesekeyev, told Interfax.

He said that the launch of 3G services in Kazakhstan would not hamper the fast development of 4G, which was, in Yesekeyev's words, "entirely realistic."

He said that 18 operators had already received licenses for the provision of data transfer services through WiMAX technology. Two of these companies intend to launch networks by the close of this year and two more have plans for next year.

Yesekeyev said that WiMAX technology could facilitate a transfer to 4G services.

4G communications operate for Wi-Fi and WiMAX technologies and allow data transfer on cellular networks at over 100 megabytes per second.