Kcell and Ericsson strengthen 5G partnership

28.08.2023
  • Kazakhstan’s largest telecommunications service provider, Kcell, has selected Ericsson as its 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) partner.
  • Ericsson will be Kcell’s key partner for 5G deployments in key regions, including Almaty and Shymkent and several others.
  • The seven-year partnership aims to accelerate Kazakhstan’s digital transformation and widespread adoption of 5G technology.

По случаю 25-летия успешного сотрудничества Kcell и Ericsson рады объявить о расширении партнерства, направленного на ускорение широкого внедрения и развития технологии 5G и связанных с ней услуг по всему Казахстану. Это сотрудничество знаменует собой значительный шаг на пути к вступлению в эру подключения 5G и его преобразующему потенциалу как для отраслей промышленности, так и для потребителей.

Following 25 years of successful cooperation, Kcell and Ericsson are pleased to announce an extended partnership aimed at accelerating the widespread adoption and development of 5G technology and related services throughout Kazakhstan. This collaboration marks a significant step towards ushering in the era of 5G connectivity and its transformative potential for both industries and consumers.

The partnership envisions a roadmap spanning the period of 2023 to 2030, during which both companies will work in tandem to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and strengthen the country’s technology infrastructure.

The parties have plans to deploy Ericsson’s state-of-the-art 5G technology over a significant area encompassing at least 50% of Kazakhstan’s territory. The deployment will cover key regions including Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Turkestan, and several others. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both companies to ensure that the benefits of 5G are available to a significant portion of the population, contributing to the growth of both urban and rural connectivity. The basis for 5G deployment is the implementation of the SingleRAN (Single Radio Access Network) approach. This approach involves the seamless integration of 5G into the existing 2G, 3G and 4G infrastructure, maximizing the efficient use of network resources and simplifying the transition to the new technology.

As Askhat Uzbekov, Chairman of the Management Board of Kcell noted, 5G, unlike previous generations of communications technology, not only has the potential to improve various characteristics of wireless communications, including speed, latency, reliability, “density” of devices, and power consumption, but also the possibility to create new services and applications such as virtual and augmented reality (AR/VR), industrial internet of things (IIoT), and real-time control of robots, unmanned vehicles and drones, as well as create new business models.

In addition, 5G technologies can be used not only in mobile operators’ networks, but also for fixed wireless access in locations where it is not physically possible to lay cables due to complex terrain, replacing or complementing the wired “last mile” for residential and business customers. Of course, “fixed wireless access” existed prior to 5G, but its improved speeds, radio performance and wider bands means it is a more capable underlying architecture for delivering digital transformation, including for enterprises.

Askhat Uzbekov, Kcell CEO, commented: “In addition, the transition to 5G allows the creation of a stack of technological platforms around which ecosystems are formed, and the telecom operator becomes a provider of platform services, which are implemented by these technological platforms and provided to ecosystem partners. The operator can create and provide digital services itself, i.e. it can still be a provider of end services, but now it will create these services much faster and in much greater quantity and variety than it does today. And I think working with Ericsson will allow us to realize all these opportunities in the most efficient and seamless way”.

Andrea Missori, Head of Southeast Mediterranean and Eurasia, Ericsson, said: “We are excited to extend our partnership with Kcell as it marks a significant milestone towards positioning Kazakhstan at the forefront of Eurasia telecommunications innovation. We are building a network of the future that will not only offer superior connectivity for Kcell customers but also deliver an innovation platform that can help to transform industries and pave the way to a more connected digital society, fostering economic growth and societal advancement.”

For information:

ABOUT KCELL

Kcell is a national provider of digital telecommunications services: mobile communications and converged fixed-line communication (FMC) services, data transmission and internet access, financial services, digital services and mobile applications, IT solutions in the areas of systems integration, Internet of Things, machine-to-machine, big data and cloud computing.

Kcell has become the largest digital ecosystem in Kazakhstan with a competitive advantage through its value-added services such as mobile financial services, mobile TV, online movies, music, books and magazines, as well as unique solutions for business customers. The company holds leading positions in the B2B market thanks to its strategy of vertical infrastructure solutions and development and implementation of the cutting-edge technologies. The company operates under its two brands – Kcell and activ that are widely recognized in our highly competitive telecom market due to the high quality of customer service.

ABOUT ERICSSON

Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to fully utilize connectivity. The company’s portfolio includes networks, cloud software and services, enterprise wireless solutions, a global communications platform, and technology and new businesses. The products and solutions are designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and create new revenue streams. Ericsson’s investment in innovation has enabled billions of people around the world to enjoy the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband. Ericsson’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com

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Member of the Management Board, Chief Finance Officer

Damir Mullashev graduated from Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Forecasting (KIMEP) in 2003. His professional experience spans 20 years in financial sector, of which 13 years in leadership roles. He started his career in the banking sector, where he worked in an investment bank since 2007 and since 2013 in a private equity fund. In 2016 he moved to the telecommunications industry and took up the role of Head of External Asset Management Service at Kazakhtelecom JSC. He has extensive experience in corporate finance (M&A), telecom asset management, as well as debt and equity financing. In September 2022, Damir Mullashev joined Kcell JSC as Deputy Chief Finance Officer and in December 2022 he was appointed acting Chief Finance Officer.

Member of the Management Board, Chief Commercial Officer

Olga Tsoi holds a master's degree in business administration from KIMEP University. She has 17 years of work experience in the commercial sector in various industries, of which 13 years in leadership roles, including 3 years in FMCG and retail, 8 years in telecom, 3 years in consulting (FinTech and InsuranceTech) and 3 years in the banking sector. In 2023, Olga was appointed Director of Consumer Department of Kcell JSC.

Daniyar Ibrayev graduated from the Military Institute under NSC of the Republic of Kazakhstan (currently the Border Force Academy under NSC) in 2000 with a degree in Telecommunications Engineering. In 2007, he graduated from the Kazakh Humanitarian Law University (Nur-Sultan), with a Bachelor of Law degree. Since 2020, he has worked at Kcell JSC as an Adviser to the Strategic Development Department, then as a Chief Expert of the Security Department. Since 2017, he has worked at The Unified Pension Savings Fund JSC and prior to that he worked in government bodies.

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 Director

Mr. Uisumbayev was appointed Chief Corporate Officer and a member of the Management Board since April 15, 2022.

Azamat Uisumbayevfor the last 12 years, he has worked in the group of companies of Kazakhtelecom JSC in various positions, including Managing Director - Financial Controller of Kazakhtelecom JSC and Commercial Director of KT Cloud Lab LLP. Prior to joining the telecommunications industry, he worked in government bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Higher education in the specialties - economic and legal. He has a master's degree from MPA&MBA, RANEPA, Moscow. Successfully completed an advanced training course at the Moscow School of Management “Skolkovo” under the program of additional professional education "Leaders of Digital Transformation". Currently studying under the Executive MBA program at Nazarbayev University.

Member of the Management Board, Chief Digital Development Officer

Malik Amardinovin 2008 graduated from the Academy of Banking of the Kazakhstan Alatau University, Faculty of Finance, in 2016 graduated from the Kazakhstan Engineering and Technology University, Faculty of Higher Technical Education. Total work experience - 16 years in IT, 12 of them in senior positions in the banking sector. Most recent positions are Executive Director and Chief IT Architect of Fortebank, where Malik successfully led all IT development.

Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Executive Officer

Askhat Uzbekov elected to the position of Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Executive Officer of Kcell JSC, effective May 11, 2022.

Askhat Uzbekov graduated from Turan University (Kazakhstan) in 2000 majoring in International Economics. In 2022, he took his Executive MBA from London Business School. Until 2005, Askhat Uzbekov worked in the tax and audit departments at Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP, and for the next seven years, until early 2012, he has held various positions in the Treasury Department of KazMunayGas Exploration Production JSC. Then for almost 2 more years, until December 2014, he worked as CFO at KMG EP International (Netherlands).

In January 2015, Askhat Uzbekov joined Kazakhtelecom JSC, the largest national telecom operator, as Finance Director. In March 2015 he was appointed Managing Director - Chief Treasurer of Kazakhtelecom JSC. In January 2016, his job responsibilities were expanded to include the duties of a financial controller of the Kazakhtelecom group of companies. From September 2016 up to the present, he has held the position of Chief Financial Officer of the company. Askhat Uzbekov was actively involved in the acquisition of the 75% stake in Kcell JSC in 2018.

Member of the Kcell Board of Directors since May 19, 2022.

Representative of shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC

Since 2019, Ms. Kishkimbayeva has been the Managing Director for Legal Affairs and Risks of Kazakhtelecom JSC. Ms. Kishkimbayeva graduated from the Adilet Higher School of Law with a degree in Law, as well as the Kazakh State University of World Languages (English language department).

Ms. Kishkimbayeva has extensive experience in the telecommunications as well as oil infrastructure. Her previous work experience includes Kcell JSC, PetroKazakhstan Inc., KASP CJSC AralParker.

Member of the Kcell Board of Directors since May 19, 2022.

Representative of shareholder Kazakhtelecom JSC

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

Mr. Lezgovko has over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Since 1999, he has worked at Kazakhtelecom JSC. From 2007 to 2021, he has held the position of the Chief Technical Director at Kazakhtelecom JSC.

Mr. Lezgovko graduated from the Almaty Energy Institute with a degree in Automatic Telecommunications. In 2005, he was awarded the title of ‘Kurmetti Baylanysshy’.

In 2012, he was awarded the Kurmet order.

Member of the Kcell Board of Directors since May 19, 2022.

Independent director

Mr. Kivikko has many years of experience in the telecommunications industry, where he has held senior positions at TeliaSonera and Tele2. He also worked as Managing Director of Paroc Owens Corning Insulation Materials in Russia. He is currently the Managing Director at Fexcon Consulting.

Mr. Kivikko holds a Master's degree in Management Accounting and Business Law and Marketing from the School of Economics and Business Administration (University of Turku) Turku, Finland.

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.