Bishkek, Feb. 5, 2026. /Kabar/. Mobile infrastructure plays a critical role in the development of the digital economy of Central Asian countries, Ericsson CEO Aidyn Abzhanbekov said today at B5+1 forum in Bishkek.
Today, mobile phones are the foundation of most digital services, from mobile banking like Kaspi to AI-powered apps and high-quality video.
"It's very difficult to draw a line between telecoms and IT; they are closely intertwined today. Most business models are tied to smartphones. People can forget their documents and keys, but they'll never leave their phone at home," Abzhanbekov noted.
He emphasized that operators in the region face market challenges: average revenue per user (ARPU) is among the lowest in the world, and that companies must continually invest in network modernization, coverage expansion, and regulatory compliance. Kazakhstan has state programs called "500+" and "250+" aimed at providing mobile communications to sparsely populated areas.
Abzhanbekov also noted the importance of diversifying critical infrastructure suppliers. In some Central Asian countries, almost 100% of networks are built using Chinese equipment, while in Kazakhstan, approximately half of 5G networks are based on Ericsson. "Having trusted and secure critical infrastructure suppliers opens up opportunities to attract financing on favorable terms," he added.
According to the Ericsson CEO, the development of mobile infrastructure is key to the entire digital economy of the region, including fintech, artificial intelligence, and other high-tech solutions.