Post by : Shakul
A remote school situated in the mountainous region of Kyrgyzstan has successfully connected to the Starlink satellite internet network, marking a significant milestone in digital access for the country. The pilot project was inaugurated by Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, via video link from Bishkek on May 25, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in isolated areas.
The school, located in Enilchek, a high-altitude village in the Issyk-Kul region, is the first institution in Kyrgyzstan to receive satellite internet through Starlink. Previously, the challenging mountainous terrain and lack of existing telecommunication infrastructure had left it without reliable internet for years.
During the ceremonial launch, Kasymaliev expressed his congratulations to both teachers and students, emphasizing the importance of this project for equitable education. He reaffirmed that improving digital access is a national priority, particularly for children in remote mountainous communities throughout the country.
As part of this initiative, the government also provided the school with five new computers to foster digital learning. Furthermore, Kasymaliev directed the Ministry of Education to swiftly link the Enilchek school to national educational information systems, ensuring access to digital resources, online databases, and e-learning services.
Currently, just six schools in Kyrgyzstan remain without internet access. The government plans to connect these establishments as part of its broader digital transformation strategy. Authorities are optimistic that satellite internet technology can effectively address the longstanding communication challenges faced by remote areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult to implement.
Kyrgyzstan joined the Starlink global coverage map on May 23, 2026, after completing the necessary technical and legal processes. Local telecom partner ElKat LLC played a crucial role in establishing the required infrastructure to meet international standards for satellite connectivity in the nation.
This pilot program is being rolled out under a presidential decree issued in October 2025 concerning the use of non-geostationary satellite systems. Currently, SpaceX is fulfilling the technical requirements, although the Kyrgyz government has expressed openness to collaboration with any international tech company that meets the necessary safety and quality benchmarks.
The launch of Starlink service in Enilchek is anticipated to pave the way for improved education, communication, and economic prospects for residents in some of Kyrgyzstan's most remote regions.
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