About

  • Key Events in the Company’s History
  • June 1 – Establishment of GSM Kazakhstan OAO Kazakhtelecom LLP.
  • June 8 – The Company acquired a perpetual state license to offer GSM mobile communication services.
  • February 7 – The Kcell brand was launched.
  • September 9 – The activ brand was launched.
  • September 18 – The Company became the first mobile communications provider in the Republic of Kazakhstan to grant access to the Internet from mobile devices.
  • September  –  The multimedia messaging service (MMS) was launched. 
  • September 13 – The Company became the first operator in Kazakhstan to provide the GPRS roaming service.
  • August 26 – The Company’s license was revised and amended to include the right to operate a GSM-1800 network.
  • December 1 – The commercial operation of the 3G network commenced in the cities of Astana and Almaty.
  • February 2 – The transaction for the sale of Sonera Holding B.V.’s participatory interest to Kazakhtelecom JSC was completed. 
  • August 27 – The Company underwent reorganization and became a joint stock company, changing its name to Kcell JSC.
  • November 29 – The ordinary shares of Kcell JSC were listed on KASE.
  • December 13 – The listing of global depository receipts was finalized on LSE.
  • April 15 – Kcell JSC became an official distributor of iPhones in Kazakhstan.
  • September – The start of a large-scale rebranding campaign for the activ trademark.
  • November 16 – The Kcell/activ mobile application was launched.
  • According to the annual results, the Company became the leader among non-financial companies in Kazakhstan in terms of taxes paid.
  • February – The rebranding of the trademark activ was completed.
  • March – The first activ brand outlet was opened in Almaty.
  • January 5 – The Company was authorized to use additional frequencies within the range of 700/800 MHz to 1800 MHz to enhance communications within the country and prepare for the launch of its 4G and LTE services (which were launched in the same year).
  • March 1 – The LTE network was launched in Kazakhstan.
  • June – The 4G+ (LTE Advanced) network was launched in Almaty and Shymkent.
  • November 1 – The international rating agency Fitch assigned the Company a Long-Term Issuer Default Rating of BB with a Stable Outlook.
  • January 16 – The Company issued bonds for an amount of 4.95 billion Tenge, which were placed on KASE.
  • December 21 – Kazakhtelecom JSC acquired shareholdings in Kcell JSC from Telia Company and Fintur Holdings B.V., thereby obtaining 75% of the outstanding shares in the Company.
  • January 10 – Freedom Finance JSC announced the consolidation of 10.46% of the shares in Kcell JSC, becoming one of the major stakeholders in the Company.
  • During the pandemic, 3,500 healthcare professionals were provided with free voice communications and internet traffic.
  • Subscribers were granted free access to over 400 distance learning websites and 27 mobile applications for online banking.
  • April 16 – The installation project for SIMcomats (self-service terminals) was launched. These terminals use biometric identification when customers purchase new or replacement SIM cards, top up their phones, and install eSIMs on their devices.
  • June 14 – The delisting of the global depository receipts was completed at LSE and AIX.
  • July – The line of financial services OGO Finance was launched in collaboration with First Heartland Jusan Bank JSC and the international payment system MasterCard.
  • September 30 – Kazakhtelecom JSC sold 24% of the shares in Kcell JSC through KASE.
  • January – The operational headquarters was created during the state of emergency declared due to mass disturbances, aiming to ensure timely decision-making, provide uninterrupted communications to subscribers, and assist the government.
  • February 25 – The first phase of implementing the Nexign Converged BSS billing system was completed.
  • December 12 – Fitch Ratings affirmed Kcell JSC’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating at BB+ with a Stable Outlook.
  • December 16 – Kcell JSC, in consortium with Mobile Telecom-Service LLP, emerged as the winner in an auction for the use of 5G networks.
  • December – The second phase of implementing the Nexign Converged BSS billing system was completed.
  • 12 March 2023 – official commercial launch of 5G network in Almaty, on 15 March 2023 in Shymkent. The 5G network was launched within the 3700 – 3800 MHz frequency band.
  • 1 September 2023 – launch of the fixed home internet service Kcell Auleti, which provides customers access to home internet at high speed on the 5G network with full comfort and without the need to lay cables.
  • December 2023– Kcell was named the fastest network in Kazakhstan according to Ookla’s Speedtest Awards.
  • March 2024 – Kcell provides 5G coverage in 629 locations in Kazakhstan.
  • May 2024 – Kcell launched a new inflight roaming pack ‘Air Data’ offering internet access during a flight.
  • July 2024 – Kcell launched a new maritime roaming pack ‘Cruise Data’.
  • October 2024 – Kcell is the first carrier in Kazakhstan to launch 5G connectivity at metro stations.

Business review

  • Kcell has taken the first place as the fastest mobile Internet in Kazakhstan according to the rating from Ookla®
  • Launch of Kcell Auleti fixed home internet service
  • Ericsson became Kcell’s key partner for 5G network deployment in key regions, including Almaty, Shymkent and several others.
  • Commercial launch of 5G network within 3700-3800 MHz band in Almaty and Shymkent
  • A consortium of mobile operators Kcell JSC and Mobile Telecom Service LLP wins the 5G auction
  • Fitch Ratings affirmed Kcell JSC’s long-term issuer default rating at “BB+”, Outlook Stable

81,97%

LTE traffic accounts for 76.9% of the total data traffic

​72,55%

Providing the population with LTE communications

​91,02%

85% of the population is covered with 3G

Charter

Charter of JSC Kcell
Changes and additions No. 1 to the Charter of Kcell JSC
Changes and additions No. 1 to the Charter of Kcell JSC
1. General Provisions
  • 1.1. This Charter of the joint stock company “Kcell” (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”) determines its name, location, procedure for the formation and competence of its bodies, conditions for reorganization and termination of its activities and other provisions that do not contradict the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
  • 1.2. Full name of the Company: in Russian: Акционерное общество «Кселл»
  • 1.3. Abbreviated name of the Company: in Russian: АO «Кселл»

Dividend Policy

In accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Company Charter and this Policy, as well as based on the audited financial statements of the Company for the relevant period, the Board of Directors prepares a proposal on distribution the Company’s net profit for the past financial year, quarter or half-year period and the amount of dividends for the year, quarter or half-year period.

The decision to pay dividends and approve dividends per ordinary share is made by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The amount of annual dividends on ordinary shares of the Company will be at least 50% and no more than 100% of the Company’s net cash flow for the previous financial year (Cash flow from operating and investment activities). The payment of dividends result in violation of the Company’s financial covenants to creditors.

Taking into account the cash flow from operating and investment activities, the minimum amount of dividends should be 20% (twenty percent) of the net profit for the past financial year.

Dividend Policy
1. General provisions
  • 1.1. This Dividend Policy of Kcell JSC (hereinafter – the Policy) has been developed in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kcell JSC Charter, Kcell JSC Corporate Governance Code and other internal documents of the Company.
  • 1.2. Definitions
  • Company – Kcell Joint-Stock Company;
  • Shareholders – holders of shares in the Company;
  • Share – an ordinary share of Kcell JSC / a global depositary receipt;
  • Dividends – income of the Company Shareholder on the Shares owned by him, paid by the Company;
  • General Meeting of Shareholders – the supreme body of the Company;
  • Registrar – an organization whose professional activity includes maintaining the system of registers of holders of the Company’s securities.
  • 1.3. The terms and procedure for payment of Dividends to the Shareholders are governed by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Company’s Charter, the Prospectus of share issue of the Company, and the relevant decisions of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

Policies and Regulations

Kcell JSC Regulation on the Internal Audit Service
Regulation on the Management board of Kcell joint stock company
Code of Ethics and Conduct
Privacy Policy
Anti-corruption policy
Supplier Code of Conduct
Regulations on the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC
Kcell Security Directives
Regulations on resolving conflicts of interest in Kcell JSC
Corporate governance code JSC “Ksell”
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Member of the Management Board, Chief Finance Officer

Sabigat Rakhmetov graduated with honours from the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Forecasting (KIMEP) with a degree in finance.

His experience spans over 13 years in finance and investments, M&A, financial and economic analysis, transaction structuring and portfolio management, including international portfolio investment management.

He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers Tax & Advisory LLP (PWC) in 2011. He worked at Samruk-Kazyna for over six years, rising to the position of Director of the Investment and Business Support Department.

From 2022 until now, he has served as Director of the Investment and Strategy Group at KazMunayGaz International N.V., Bucharest, Romania.

Kirill Strashenko graduated from the Almaty Institute of Energy and Communications in 2004, majoring in Telecommunication Engineering. From 2004 to 2016, he has held various positions at Kcell JSC, from a Data Transmission Systems Engineer to Manager of Data Transmission Systems Section. From 2016 to 2018, he has held the position of Network and IT Infrastructure Manager, and was also appointed as Project Manager for the Unified LTE Network Construction project (a joint project with Kar-Tel LLP). He was appointed Deputy Technical Director (2018-2021) and later Network Development Manager (2021-May 2022). In 2019, he was awarded the state award "Kurmetty Bailanyshy”.

Member of the Management Board, Chief Corporate Officer

Dauren Shaikhin holds a master's degree from the Kazakhstan-British Technical University (2016) and an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.

He has 15 years of experience in a number of different areas within the financial markets, corporate finance, risk management, operations and procurement. He has successfully developed and implemented corporate strategies, improved companies' financial portfolios and optimized operational processes, contributing to profit growth.

Dauren Shaikhin began his career in 2008 as a leading broker in Kazakhstan's securities market at Eurasian Capital JSC. In 2018, he was Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Kcell JSC. Since 2023, he has been Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at RTsKS JSC (Astana, Kazakhstan).

Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Executive Officer

Askar Zhambakin was elected Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Management Board of Kcell JSC, effective on July 15, 2024.

Askar Zhambakin has a degree in Multichannel Telecommunication Systems from the Almaty Institute of Energy and Communications, a Master's degree in Management and Information Systems from the University of Manchester, and a Diploma in Organizational Leadership from Saïd Business School.

He started his career as a communications technician at Air Kazakhstan, has worked as an engineer at Mobile Telecom-Service LLP (Tele2/Altel) for several years, worked at HSBC Bank Kazakhstan, where he was engaged in strategy, business process transformation. He was involved in similar tasks at Beintech LLP, a subsidiary of BI Group. He worked at the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, where he held various managerial positions, including Deputy Director of the Payment Systems Management and Development Department of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. In his previous role as Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace, he was involved in a number of key initiatives, including the digital transformation of public administration, business process re-engineering and data management.

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC and representative of a major shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC on 26 September 2024 at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

Alibek Indykbayev has two degrees in finance and telecommunications and boasts over 19 years of professional experience.

He launched his career in 2005 in information technology, subsequently occupying senior roles at organizations such as KazTransCom JSC and acting as an IT advisor to the Chairman of the Management Board at Altyn Bank JSC.

He currently serves on the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC as Director General of the Corporate Business Division.

He holds a degree in Finance from Turan University (2008) and a degree in Radio Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications from the Kazakh Academy of Transport and Communications named after M. Tynyshpayev (2018).

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC and representative of major shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 26 September 2024.

Yerzhan Meiramov launched his career in 2004 at the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, subsequently holding senior positions at the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Astana EXPO 2017 National Company JSC, Qazkom, Fincraft Investment House JSC and Kcell JSC.

In 2021, Yerzhan Meiramov was appointed Chairman of the Telecommunications Committee under the Ministry of Digital Development and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

He graduated from King's College London with a degree in Public Administration.

Yerzhan Meiramov was awarded the State Medal 'Yeren Enbegi Ushin' on 14 October 2022.

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Independent Director

Sergey Valeryevich is an independent director of Kcell and was elected on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of three years.

Mr. Yeltsov has extensive experience in legal matters and corporate governance. Since 2008, he has held senior positions at a number of leading Kazakhstani companies, including JSC Investment Fund of Kazakhstan, Kazkommertsbank JSC, BTA Bank JSC and Kazakhtelecom JSC.

From November 2017 to 2022, he was an independent member of the Board of Directors of Kazakhaltyn JSC.

Sergey Valeryevich graduated from the Kazakh Institute of Law and International Relations with a degree in “international law” and also received an education in economics from the Almaty Academy of Economics and Statistics. In 2007, he completed the MBA Executive Education programme “Company Management: Latest Technologies”.

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC, representative of major shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC on 14 November 2025 at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.

Askar Kairov has more than 22 years of experience in economics, finance, and communications.

He graduated from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University with a degree in Economics and Management, holds a Master’s degree in Corporate Management from the International Academy of Business, and completed the Business and Finance certificate programme at Cambridge Regional College (United Kingdom, 2016).

He has held senior leadership roles at Transtelecom JSC, KTZh – Freight Transportation LLP, and Samruk-Kazyna JSC. In September 2025, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Business Division at Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Independent Director

Mr. Otemurat was elected as an independent director of Kcell on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of 3 years.

Mr. Otemurat began his career as an audit employee at Ernst & Young Kazakhstan in 2003. Since 2008, he has held senior positions at the Kazyna Sustainable Development Fund, the Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, BTA Bank and others. He has headed the National Investment Corporation of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Mr. Ote Murat graduated with honours from KIMEP in Business Administration and Accounting (Finance). In 2013, he received a master's degree from the Sloan program at London Business School.

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Independent Director

Mirzhan Eldesovich is an independent director of Kcell and was elected on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of three years.

Mr. Karakulov has held various management positions at the National Bank of Kazakhstan, Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, and was Deputy Chairman of the Board at Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC in charge of risk management. He also worked at Samruk-Kazyna JSC. Deputy Director of the Risk Management Department.

He is currently a consultant to the independent assessment division of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Mr. Karakulov is a graduate of the Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Forecasting (KIMEP), a scholarship holder of the Bolashak International Presidential Program, and graduated with honours from Vanderbilt University (USA) with a master's degree in economics. In 2022, he received a master's degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (Harvard Kennedy School).

Member of the Board of Directors since 27 May 2025.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Artur Viktorovich is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and an independent director of Kcell. He was elected on 27 May 2025 at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for a term of three years.

Mr. Neupokoyev began his career in the telecommunications industry in 1994 as an engineer in the production laboratory of the International Long-Distance Telephone Station in Almaty. He has over 20 years of management experience at Kazakhtelecom JSC, where he was involved in the development of corporate sales.

Since July 2023, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kazakhtelecom JSC as an independent director.

Artur Viktorovich graduated from the Kazakh Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Physical and Chemical Research of Metallurgical Processes. In 2017, he was awarded the industry honorary award of the Republic of Kazakhstan — “Uzdik Bailanysshy” (‘Best Communications Specialist’).

Member of the Management Board, Chief Technical Officer

Kerey Zhumabekuly Zatilda is a graduate of the Almaty University of Power Engineering and Communication. He specialized in Multichannel Telecommunication Systems and Economics and Management for Telecommunication Enterprises, earning qualifications as a Telecommunication Engineer and Engineer-Economist.

He began his career at Kcell JSC in 2004 and steadily advanced from engineer to head of regional technical departments over the course of 17 years. With extensive experience in telecommunications networks, including 2G, 3G, 4G, and WiMAX technologies, he has worked across various regions of Kazakhstan. His expertise spans radio network planning, managing contractor organizations, and leading technical teams.

From 2021 to 2023, he served as the Deputy Chairman of the Board and Technical Director at Kazteleradio JSC. In this capacity, he led the development of television and radio broadcasting networks, the adoption of innovative technologies, and managed the execution of government projects.

In June 2023, Kerey Zatilda was appointed Deputy Director General of RGP State Radio Frequency Service. In this role, he was responsible for monitoring the radio frequency spectrum, swiftly identifying violations involving radio-electronic equipment, and providing detailed analyses of communication quality.

Kerey Zatilda’s career spans 20 years, with more than 15 of those years spent in managerial roles. Throughout his career, he has made a significant impact on the implementation of complex technical projects and the modernization of the national telecommunications infrastructure.

In recognition of his contributions to the telecommunications industry, he was awarded the title of 'Honored Telecommunications Professional of the Republic of Kazakhstan.'

He is fluent in Kazakh, Russian, and English.

Member of the Management Board, Chief Commercial Officer

Kazbek Shaimov is a seasoned expert in the commercial sector with over 27 years of experience, including 23 years in leadership roles. His career spans multiple industries: 10 years in FMCG and retail, 14 years in telecommunications, and 3 years in consulting, specializing in crisis management.

Kazbek Shaimov is a graduate of S. Toraigyrov Pavlodar State University. He started his career at Kcell in 2008 as Manager of Retail Sales, overseeing the company's branches in Semey, Aktobe, and Astana. With a proven track record, he has successfully introduced new products in both retail and business segments, streamlined sales processes, and significantly improved customer service across both remote and in-store channels.

Member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC, representative of major shareholder KC Holding Ltd.

Elected to the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC at the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 29 November 2023.

Mr. Kereybayev has extensive experience in information technology and telecommunications, economic analysis and planning, and finance.

During 2018 - 2021, he has held the position of Managing Director for Digitization and Transformation at Samruk-Kazyna JSC.

In 2021, he moved to Kazakhtelecom JSC as Managing Director for Modernization Programme, then was appointed Director for Support Functions Development.

Mr. Dauren Kereybayev graduated from Novosibirsk State University with a degree in Mechanics and Applied Mathematics (1992) and from the Kazakh State Academy of Management with a degree in Finance and Credit (1998).

In 2018, he received a master’s degree in business administration in the Executive MBA programme at the University of Chicago Booth (USA).

He has been awarded the medal "Yerenenbegi ushin" and the public order "Yenbek sinirgen karzhy mamany".

Member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director

Mr. Zhamalov has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC since 29 November 2023.

Mr. Zhamalov is an expert in the financial sector, having held senior roles at Kazkommerts Securities JSC, ING Bank N.V. in the London office and the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He also represented ING Bank N.V. in Kazakhstan, where he was appointed Head of the Presidency for Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Currently, he is appointed as the CEO of Mastercard in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of Bolashaq Investments; member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of the Republican Physics and Mathematics School; member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of Otbasy Bank JSC; member of the Board of Directors, Independent Director of Jusan Invest JSC.

He joined the telecommunications sector in 2014 as the Chief Manager of the Department of Project Finance of Kazakhtelecom JSC, and was also a member of the Board of Directors of National Company KazSatNet JSC and National Information Technologies JSC, an operator of information and communication infrastructure of the ‘e-government’.

Mr. Zhamalov holds an Executive MBA from Cambridge University (UK), an MSc in International Financial Analysis from Newcastle University (UK) and a BSc in Financial Mathematics from Charles University (Czech Republic). Mr. Zhamalov is a holder of the prestigious CFA Financial Certificate and Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors (UK).

Independent Director

Mr Abdualiyev has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kcell JSC since 28 May 2024.

Mr. Abdualiyev has a proven track record of success in international business, having held senior roles at leading companies such as TASKRABBIT, INC. as Head of Strategy and Development, MCKINSEY & COMPANY as Senior Consultant, and Almaty Development Centre JSC as Deputy Chairman of the Management Board.

He is the founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub, based in Silicon Valley (Palo Alto, USA).

Mr Abdualiyev holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a Master of Science in Business Administration and Management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Mr Abdualiyev is also an independent director of Kazakhtelecom JSC and a member of the boards of trustees of American University of Central Asia and Best for Kids PF.

Member of the Board of Directors since January 15, 2019.

Independent director

Member of the Board of Directors since January 15, 2019. On May 19, 2022, at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders  was re-elected for 3 years.

Mr. Calmes has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications, wholesale and retail business with a particular focus on emerging markets. From December 2016 to June 2019, he was the CEO of Metro Cash & Carry Russia. Prior to that, Mr. Calmes held various senior positions in the telecommunications sector, including CEO of Tele2 Russia, Managing Director of Wind Telecomunicazioni, Managing Director of the Moscow office of VEON JSC. Mr. Calmes holds a bachelor's degree in Political science and Economics from Bates University, Maine, USA, and has also completed the Wharton School of Business Executive Development Program.

Member of the Board of Directors since January 25, 2019.

Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Member of the Board of Directors since January 25, 2019. On May 19, 2022, at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders  was re-elected for 3 years.

Mr. Buyanov is also an independent director of Kazakhtelecom JSC and Director at Bengala Investments S.A. From 2002 to 2014, he has held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and has been a member of the Management Board of Sistema OJSC – an investment fund listed on the London Stock Exchange.

From 2014 to 2016, he has held the position of Managing Director and Head of the Investment Committee of Redline Capital Management S.A. Mr. Buyanov graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) with a degree in Applied Physics and Mathematics, and completed Oxford Fintech Program by Said Business School, University of Oxford.