A Law on the development of the telecommunications market and data processing centers has been adopted in Kazakhstan. The document was developed as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence and is aimed at implementing the Head of State's strategic task of creating a fully-fledged digital country within three years.
The adopted Law forms a new infrastructural framework for
Kazakhstan's digital development. It covers key areas, ranging from improving
communication quality and the accessibility of digital services to the
development of data processing centers, the energy base of the digital economy,
the protection of telecom infrastructure, and the fight against fraud on
communication networks.
One of the most important innovations is the provision of
zero-rated access for citizens to socially significant digital services (eGov,
e-Otinish, the Aitu messenger, and other services).
The Law also enhances the transparency of the
telecommunications market. Telecom operators will publish financial statements,
a list of communication nodes, standard contracts, connection conditions, and
tariffs for accessing infrastructure.
To improve the quality of mobile communication,
restrictions are introduced on the import of cellular signal amplifiers and
repeaters. The import of such devices will be permitted only for telecom
operators.
Special attention is paid to accelerating the
construction of telecommunications infrastructure. The procedure for allocating
land plots for communication facilities is simplified, and the possibility of
building communication networks in specially protected natural areas is
provided.
A significant block of amendments is aimed at developing
data processing centers and the energy base of the digital economy. Data
processing centers will be classified as strategic facilities.
A "70/30" mechanism is introduced to attract
private investment into the modernization and expansion of generating
capacities with the participation of digital miners and data processing centers
as long-term consumers of electricity.
A separate block of the Law is dedicated to protecting
telecom infrastructure and countering fraud. The licensing conditions for Internet
access services, IP telephony, and trunked communications are updated.
To protect citizens from telephone fraud, the labeling of
calls from legal entities is introduced. Subscribers will be able to
distinguish official calls from suspicious ones.
In addition, an obligation is established to re-register
a subscriber number or cellular communication device when transferring it to
third parties for permanent use.
The full text of the Law is available in the Information
and Legal System of Regulatory Legal Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan -
Adilet.
Source: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maidd/press/news/details/1244531?lang=ru