In 2024, Freedom Telecom, a subsidiary of Freedom Holding Corp., laid down 1,200 kilometers of fiber optic cable and is set to complete the construction of its core telecommunications infrastructure in 11 cities across Kazakhstan. The company’s backbone network will connect base stations, servers, data processing centers and other elements to provide reliable communication and high data capacity for clients.
“On average we have learned how to build these systems at 50% lower cost than our competitors and we already have clients in Astana, Taraz, Aktau, Atyrau, Semey and many other cities across the country. Currently, we have the technical capacity to provide internet access to 14,000 households in major cities and regions. By 2025, we expect this figure will grow exponentially,” said Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.
Freedom Telecom was launched in 2023 to accelerate Kazakhstan’s digital transformation. Through a strategic partnership with Vodafone, the company has been constructing key infrastructure and introducing advanced technologies, including mobile and fixed networks, next-generation Wi-Fi, traffic transit between operators and cloud solutions. Initial plans estimate the Freedom Holding Corp. investments will reach $650 million over the next five years. This fall, the telecommunications company acquired SilkNetCom, a Kazakhstani provider of IT and telecommunications services, for approximately $24 million. At the same time, Freedom Holding Corp. announced that the strategy and budget for Freedom Telecom may be reconsidered.
Expansion of public Wi-Fi
Freedom Telecom is actively developing a public Wi-Fi network. Currently, there are 976 hotspots in Kazakhstan, offering free internet in the airports of Almaty and Astana, as well as in shopping malls, business centers, hospitals, schools, parks and esplanades. Next year, Freedom Holding Corp. plans to roll out free internet in all airports nationwide and expand coverage in additional public spaces. Once implemented, Kazakhstanis will enjoy convenient and free internet access.
This year, the company achieved a significant milestone by securing a license for the use of Wi-Fi 6E/7 indoors. As a result, Kazakhstan has become one of the few countries to adopt this cutting-edge technology. The Freedom Holding Corp. is also advancing its Air2Ground project, which aims to provide high-speed internet for airplanes. The Almaty-Astana flight route serves as the project’s pilot zone.
Innovations in the corporate segment
The number of corporate clients for Freedom Telecom has grown by several dozen percentage points over the past six months. The company has been heavily investing in cloud services, acquiring, and upgrading data centers. By collaborating with global technology leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google and SAP, Freedom Telecom is effectively localizing advanced solutions for its customers. The company aims to capture 40% of Kazakhstan’s market share and become the Central Asian leader in cloud services by 2027.
Social responsibility and training
Freedom Telecom contributes not only to technological advancement in Kazakhstan but also to social development. For example, the company operates a training center near the capital city of Astana, which has trained 180 individuals now employed in telecommunications. As Timur Turlov emphasized, the company creates jobs for locals, connects households and social facilities to the internet and fosters strong relationships with local communities.
Media initiatives and content
To support Kazakhstan’s entertainment industry, Freedom Telecom has launched Freedom Media, a video streaming service focused on local content, including unique projects in the Kazakh language.
“Our ultimate goal is to become the leading national streaming platform in Central Asia, offering the most popular local and global content,” Timur Turlov said. “To achieve this, we plan to leverage innovative tools like artificial intelligence for post-production.”
The streaming service is already available to users. As of November, Freedom Media offers a library of more than 20,000 movies and TV series, including local films and content dubbed in Kazakh. The platform also streams live events, such as UEFA Champions League football matches.
Ambitious plans
Freedom Telecom plans to continue developing its mobile network and aims to participate in future frequency auctions. Although purchasing 5G frequencies is currently prohibited in Kazakhstan due to a legal ban, telecommunications companies, including Freedom Telecom, have the option to establish mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).
“Until last year, we focused on business areas we were familiar with, as entering new markets was considered a significant risk,” Timur Turlov commented. “In the beginning, you don’t know if your initiative will pay off, whether the team you’ve assembled is effective, or how your product will be received by the market, customers and regulators. Given our success to date, our perspective in this division is now changing.”
It is becoming evident that Freedom Telecom is a valuable asset for the entire Freedom Holding Corp. ecosystem, its clients, and its shareholders.
“Our telecom division is driving innovations that will soon be part of everyday life,” Timur Turlov concluded.
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