"I don't like it either," said the Deputy Minister of Digitalization regarding the rise in communication costs.

“I do not like that tariffs are increasing. As a citizen of this country, I am dissatisfied with it. Therefore, I share the discontent of people regarding the rise in tariffs. However, as a vice-minister, I also understand the reasons behind it. This response is somewhat dual,” said Askat Orazbek.

Journalists reminded him of his statement about the potential emergence of a new operator in Kazakhstan if Kcell, Beeline, and the new owner of Tele2 and Altel do not improve the quality of service and tariff policies. Orazbek was asked whether this was a form of pressure on the operators. He responded that he was merely discussing a potential possibility, and there are currently no plans regarding this.

“By no means. Since there are no plans, we cannot talk about any form of pressure. We do not have a ready tool to influence the operators. If the three existing operators compete effectively, there is no need for a new player,” he added.

Previously, we reported that the ARCR is investigating a possible collusion between Kcell, Tele2/Altel, and Beeline regarding tariff increases. The operators planned to raise prices in December 2024, but received a warning.