Kazakhstan's telecommunications sector demonstrated robust expansion in the opening quarter of 2026, with aggregate service volumes climbing to KZT 379.1 billion, according to data released by the National Statistics Bureau. This figure represents a 3.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025, underscoring sustained momentum within the country's digital infrastructure economy.
Consumer-facing services accounted for KZT 224.4 billion of the total, posting a 3% year-over-year gain. The sector's growth trajectory was fundamentally shaped by two categories: fixed-line internet and mobile communications, which together comprised the largest share of industry activity.
Fixed-line internet services generated KZT 143.8 billion during the January–March 2026 period. Mobile communications, however, emerged as the standout performer, surging beyond 140% to reach KZT 135.5 billion. This dramatic acceleration partly reflects a statistical reclassification implemented at the start of 2026, under which mobile internet access services were transferred from their previous categorization into the mobile communications segment. The reclassification accounts for a substantial portion of the year-over-year swing in reported figures.
Additional telecommunications activities contributed KZT 61.5 billion, while data transmission services generated KZT 15.2 billion. Together, these segments round out the industry's first-quarter performance.
In contrast, the postal and courier subsector experienced a decline, with total volumes reaching KZT 21.3 billion—equivalent to 97.8% of the year-earlier level. Services delivered directly to the public within this segment fell to KZT 4.9 billion, indicating continued structural pressure on traditional mail and parcel operators amid competition from digital communication platforms and express delivery alternatives.
Rural telecommunications activity contributed KZT 19.5 billion to national totals, of which KZT 13.6 billion represented services provided to end consumers in non-urban areas.