Kazakhstan loses 1 million mobile internet users after price hikes
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The number of mobile internet users in Kazakhstan fell by over 1 million in early 2026, according to EnergyProm data. The decline follows a 6% year-on-year increase in communication service prices in January 2026. The Digital Development Ministry attributes the drop to the deactivation of unused SIM cards rather than tariff hikes.
The Decline
Analytics firm EnergyProm reported a drop of over 1 million mobile internet users in Kazakhstan since the start of 2026. The data prompted speculation that rising communication service costs were a key factor. Prices rose 6% year-on-year in January 2026 and 32% compared to 2020, according to the Bureau of National Statistics.
Ministry Response
Vice Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Doszhan Musaliyev stated that the ministry does not see a direct link between tariff increases and the subscriber decline. He noted that the number of mobile subscribers fluctuates constantly due to multi-SIM usage, operator switching, and number abandonment. The ministry emphasized that operators have been cleaning their databases and deactivating 'silent' numbers as part of anti-fraud measures.
What's Next
The Digital Development Ministry will continue monitoring subscriber statistics and anti-fraud SIM deactivations. It remains unclear whether further tariff adjustments will affect user numbers or if the decline will stabilize.
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Kazakhstan loses 1 million mobile internet users after price hikes
