Satellite Internet for passengers launched on KTZ train

26-01-2025

Passenger Transportation JSC sent train No. 3/4 Astana-Almaty from the capital's railway station, which became the first in Kazakhstan to provide passengers with Internet access as part of a pilot project. The trip along the route takes 17 hours, and on the first flight, 500 passengers were able to take advantage of the opportunity to connect to the network en route.

Passengers were able to use the new service to call their loved ones via video calls on WhatsApp, watch videos on YouTube and visit other popular Internet services. However, access to torrents and sites with streaming downloads is limited. Passengers noted that the presence of the Internet makes the trip more comfortable and interesting, especially on long routes.
 

The Internet on the train is provided using modern satellite technologies. Satellite equipment installed on the locomotive provides stable and high-speed Internet throughout the entire route.

"The introduction of the Internet on trains is an important step in the development of passenger transportation. We strive to make travel convenient and in line with the requirements of the modern world, where access to information and communication plays a key role. This project will allow passengers to stay in touch, work and relax at the same time. In the future, we plan to scale the service, starting with connecting the Internet on all 15 Talgo train routes," said Anuar Akhmetzhanov, CEO of of JSC Passenger Transportation.

The project was made possible thanks to the cooperation of the Ministries of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry and Transport, the telecommunications company Jusan Mobile and the official distributor of Eutelsat-OneWeb in Kazakhstan.

"The launch of a pilot project on a KTZ train using the Eutelsat-OneWeb low-orbit satellite constellation is an important event in the digitalization of transport. Thanks to cooperation with partners, we have shown that even in difficult conditions, it is possible to provide passengers with high-speed (50-100 Mbps) and stable Internet. This success opens up new horizons for further digital transformation of the country and increases the comfort of travel for citizens of Kazakhstan,” said Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiyev.

The project includes mobile terminals for conductors to check tickets, chest video recorders for train conductors and video surveillance systems. All recordings are automatically saved in cloud storage, which increases the level of control and security.

In addition, the introduction of the Internet has changed the method of payment in the dining car - now passengers can pay for orders en route through POS terminals.
 

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»