Kazakhstan Accelerates Digital Transformation: Transition to IPv6 and Telecommunications Development, DKnews.kz reports.
On November 28–29, 2024, the forum "Future of Connectivity: IPv6 and Progress in Telecommunications" was held in Almaty, bringing together key participants from Central Asia to discuss the strategic importance of transitioning to IPv6 and the prospects for regional digitalization.
The forum gathered over 100 participants, including representatives from the communications administrations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as leading companies such as Huawei, Kazakhtelecom, and SAMENA Telecommunications Council. The discussions focused on upgrading network infrastructure, integrating new technologies, and creating a regional data hub.
IPv6: A New Era in Internet Development
The key event of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the IPv6 Forum, an international consortium of leaders in internet solutions, and the IPv6 Council of Kazakhstan. The document formalized commitments to promote the IPv6 internet protocol as the foundation for building the next-generation internet.
The memorandum highlights the following priorities:
- Promoting IPv6 implementation. This includes developing standards, exchanging best practices, and supporting Central Asian countries in transitioning to the new protocol.
- Training specialists. Preparing qualified professionals to handle the technical challenges of IPv6 implementation is a critical part of the agreement.
- Upgrading infrastructure. Joint efforts will focus on developing telecommunications networks to accelerate the region's digital transformation.
Kazakhstan’s Digital Transformation: Priorities and Challenges
In his opening remarks, Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry, Askhat Orazbek, emphasized the strategic importance of IPv6 for Kazakhstan. According to him, the new protocol opens vast opportunities for technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, and autonomous transportation systems.
Damir Seysembekov, Chairman of the Telecommunications Committee of the Ministry of Digital Development, noted that transitioning to IPv6 will form the foundation for building intelligent networks essential for the country’s sustainable development:
"IPv6 is the foundation for digital transformation. Its implementation will create new opportunities for the Internet of Things, smart cities, and autonomous systems. Kazakhstan is taking a strategic step toward modernizing its telecommunications infrastructure" Damir Seysembekov, Chairman of the Telecommunications Committee of the Ministry of Digital Development
The forum also identified key obstacles to IPv6 implementation:
- Infrastructure modernization. Many networks require technical upgrades to support the new-generation protocol.
- Training specialists. The preparation of professionals capable of managing and developing next-generation networks is essential.
- Creating standards. Unified standards and approaches are needed for the countries of Central Asia.
Participants emphasized that interstate cooperation could serve as a powerful driver for building a secure and scalable internet in the region.
Huawei’s Role in Kazakhstan’s Digitalization
Huawei, a global leader in telecommunications, actively supports IPv6 implementation initiatives. The solutions and services offered by Huawei help telecom operators overcome the challenges of digital transformation and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
Allen Tang, President of ICT Marketing and Sales Solutions for Huawei in the Middle East and Central Asia, said:
"IPv6 is a key driver of innovation. We are proud to support Kazakhstan in this process. Our solutions will accelerate IPv6 adoption, enabling faster and more stable internet access" Allen Tang, President of ICT Marketing and Sales Solutions for Huawei in the Middle East and Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s Digital Infrastructure: Achievements and Prospects
Over the past few years, Kazakhstan has made significant progress in developing its telecommunications infrastructure. Fiber-optic communication networks have grown from 10,500 km in 2013 to 127,000 km in 2023, and the volume of mobile internet services has doubled. These achievements provide a solid foundation for the transition to IPv6 and the further introduction of 5G.
International Cooperation for Regional Development
The Almaty forum outlined a clear direction for the region’s development. Thanks to the signed memorandum, Central Asian countries will be able to collectively overcome technological challenges and create conditions for further digitalization.
Summarizing the event, participants noted that successful IPv6 implementation will not only enhance Kazakhstan’s global market competitiveness but also provide the population with higher-quality information services.
The "Future of Connectivity: IPv6 and Progress in Telecommunications" forum marked an important step toward the digital transformation of Kazakhstan and the region. The signed memorandum and agreements reached laid a strong foundation for developing next-generation internet. IPv6 adoption will give Kazakhstan access to cutting-edge technologies, open up new opportunities for innovation, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Kazakhstan is confidently moving toward a future where digital transformation is the key to economic growth and sustainable development.
