Satellite technologies are advancing at a rapid pace today, and one of the key drivers of this process is non‑geostationary satellite constellations. In such an environment, specialists need to constantly update their knowledge.
On 8–9 September, Bishkek will host a seminar organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Organisation of Space Communications Intersputnik, with the support of the Communications Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic. The seminar aims to help professionals master modern requirements in the field of satellite communications and broadcasting. About what has changed in Kyrgyzstan with the start of piloting low‑orbit satellite systems, why there is a shortage of personnel in the field of satellite communications, and how the ITU–Intersputnik project will help solve this problem – this is discussed in an interview with
Altynbek Karypovich Toktorbaev, Chairman of the Service for Regulation and Supervision in the Communications Industry under the Ministry of Digital Development and Innovative Technologies of the Kyrgyz Republic.
— How many settlements in the country still lack mobile coverage, why is that, and what prevents reaching 100% coverage? At the end of 2024, mobile communications were unavailable in 21 settlements; by the end of 2025, that number had dropped to 13, with around 750 people living there. In most cases, these are sparsely populated and hard‑to‑reach areas. The main reason for the lack of coverage is the absence of basic engineering infrastructure, primarily electricity supply. Achieving full coverage depends on a set of interrelated factors. The key drivers are active infrastructure expansion – building new LTE base stations and developing fibre‑optic networks – as well as the implementation of state digitalisation programmes. Public‑private partnerships play a crucial role, making it possible to deploy facilities in remote areas and introduce advanced technical solutions: autonomous base stations, satellite communications and radio relay links. However, serious obstacles remain: the rugged mountainous terrain significantly increases installation costs, and many villages lack both electricity and access roads. The situation is compounded by low population density, which makes investment unattractive for businesses, as well as the seasonal nature of habitation in some villages and on transhumance pastures.
— Since May 2026, Starlink satellite communications have become available in the country. Could you share the first results: how many active users are there to date?
The Starlink technology is being introduced in the Kyrgyz Republic in phases – so far it is being used in a pilot mode. The first connections have already been established in remote and high‑altitude regions. The first school in Kyrgyzstan to be connected to high‑speed satellite Internet via Starlink was a secondary school in the high‑altitude village of Enilchek in the Issyk‑Kul region. The official launch took place on 23 May 2026. As the project develops and the infrastructure expands, it will be possible to assess more objectively the demand for the technology among government agencies, private users and businesses.
— Which regions are most interested in satellite Internet?
Since the technology is at an early stage of deployment, it is too early to draw conclusions about established demand. At the same time, we see the greatest potential for satellite Internet in remote and high‑altitude areas of the country, as well as in mountain tourist zones, where the construction of ground‑based telecommunications infrastructure is technically difficult or economically unfeasible.
— What regulatory changes regarding traffic routing have been introduced recently in the Kyrgyz Republic, given the emergence of global satellite operators?
No special legislative amendments regulating Internet traffic routing have been adopted in the Kyrgyz Republic in connection with the appearance of global satellite operators. The activities of such operators are carried out within the framework of the current legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of communications, radio frequency spectrum use and licensing.
— Which universities and secondary vocational institutions in Kyrgyzstan currently train specialists in satellite technologies and communications? How many such specialists graduate each year?
The Kyrgyz Republic does not have specialised educational programmes in satellite technologies. Personnel training is conducted in the following fields: “Infocommunication Technologies and Communication Systems”, “Telecommunications”, “Radio Engineering” and “Radio Electronics”. The main training centres are the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov, the Kyrgyz‑Russian Slavic University named after B.N. Yeltsin, and the Kyrgyz National University named after Jusup Balasagyn. They graduate between 200 and 500 telecommunications‑specialist graduates annually.
— In Soviet times, Kyrgyzstan played a key role in the development of scientific instruments for the space industry. In your opinion, what accounts for the current shortage of skilled personnel, despite this rich heritage?
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the volume of research and production work in the space industry decreased significantly, many cooperative ties were lost, and some highly qualified specialists moved to other sectors or continued their careers abroad. Moreover, for a long time there was no steady demand in the country for specialists specifically in satellite and space technologies, which did not encourage the development of specialised educational programmes. Today, the situation is gradually changing. The growth of the digital economy, the deployment of modern satellite communication systems and the expansion of international cooperation are creating the prerequisites for a new generation of specialists.
— With which international or national organisations in the field of satellite communications do you interact most actively?
We interact most actively with the ITU, Intersputnik, the Regional Commonwealth in the Field of Communications (RCC), and the communications administrations of the RCC member states. We regularly hold international seminars, working meetings, conferences and training events on the use of radio frequency spectrum, satellite communications and international regulation. Our specialists participate in professional development and experience‑exchange programmes, which helps to introduce international standards and best practices.
— What are your main expectations from the upcoming seminar?
Satellite technologies are evolving rapidly today, and non‑geostationary satellite systems are becoming an important part of the modern telecommunications infrastructure. Therefore, holding such a seminar at this time is particularly relevant for the Kyrgyz Republic.
In accordance with Presidential Decree №276 of 3 October 2025, the country is implementing a pilot project on the use of non‑geostationary satellite systems. For its successful implementation, we need to understand how similar technologies are already being used in other countries, what regulatory mechanisms are applied in practice, what challenges regulators face and how they address them.
Another important expectation is to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of our domestic specialists. It is important for us not only to learn about international experience, but also to gain practical recommendations on regulating the activities of NGSO operators, managing the radio frequency spectrum, international coordination and the introduction of modern satellite technologies.
We hope that the seminar will become a platform for open professional dialogue between regulators, the ITU, Intersputnik and industry representatives. Following the seminar, we would like to receive practical recommendations that can be used to improve the national regulatory framework, strengthen international cooperation and create a foundation for the further development of satellite communications in the Kyrgyz Republic.
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