In the village of Verkhniye Tainty in the Ulansky district of the East Kazakhstan Region, local residents cannot access the internet, despite its proximity to the regional centre.
According to the 'Kazinform' media agency, poles were installed and an antenna mast was built in the vicinity of the village last year, yet the internet has still not been connected.
"It's even embarrassing. Just 80 kilometres from the regional centre, there is no internet. For the second year now, we've been promised it will be connected any day now. But we're left with empty promises. We are asking for a solution to the problem", say the villagers.
The lack of internet creates serious problems for the local population. The issue is particularly acute for children who are studying remotely.
"I am a mother of many, and I have a daughter with disabilities. We educate her at home. It is difficult for us to participate in online classes via ZOOM. So we have to travel to Targyn, where there is internet. When will this end? We are tired of the promises", reported one of the local female residents.
According to local residents, the problem also affects the work of social services. Medical workers cannot maintain electronic records, and social workers face difficulties in submitting reports.
Meanwhile, the Akimat of the Ulansky district commented on the lack of internet in the village.
"Construction of the antenna mast near the village of Verkhniye Tainty has been completed. Currently, 'KaR-Tel' LLP is preparing the necessary documentation and coordinating with the authorised bodies in accordance with technical requirements. After these procedures are completed, it is planned to connect the nearest populated areas to the Beeline mobile operator's network and 4G internet at the end of 2024", the Akimat reported.