Connectivity in Kyrgyzstan: WiFi is available in major cities, but a local SIM card may be worth it for better coverage in remote areas.

Kyrgyzstan’s Internet and Connectivity: A Comprehensive Guide

Kyrgyzstan’s Internet and Connectivity: A Comprehensive Guide

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest, and China to the east. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Tien Shan mountain range and the Issyk-Kul lake. However, when it comes to internet and connectivity, Kyrgyzstan is not as well-known. In this article, we will elaborate on the internet situation in Kyrgyzstan, including the availability of WiFi and the worth of getting a local SIM card.

Connectivity: What’s the internet situation like?

Kyrgyzstan’s internet infrastructure is relatively new, with the first internet service provider (ISP) established in 1996. Since then, the country has made significant progress in developing its internet infrastructure, with the government investing in fiber-optic cables and other technologies to improve connectivity. As of 2021, the country has a total of 1.8 million internet users, representing around 28% of the population.

The internet speed in Kyrgyzstan is generally slow, with an average download speed of 9.5 Mbps and an average upload speed of 6.5 Mbps. However, this is not necessarily a reflection of the country’s infrastructure, as the slow speed is mainly due to the limited bandwidth available to ISPs. Despite this, the internet is generally reliable, with few outages or disruptions.

Is it easy to find WiFi?

Finding WiFi in Kyrgyzstan is relatively easy, especially in urban areas such as Bishkek, the capital city. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free WiFi to their customers, and there are also several public WiFi hotspots available in major cities. However, the quality of the WiFi can vary, with some connections being slow or unreliable.

If you are traveling to remote areas of the country, it may be more challenging to find WiFi. In these cases, it is worth considering getting a local SIM card to ensure that you can stay connected.

Is it worth getting a local SIM card?

Getting a local SIM card in Kyrgyzstan is relatively easy and affordable. There are three major mobile network operators in the country: Beeline, Megacom, and O! (pronounced “Oh!”). All three operators offer prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased at their stores or at kiosks in major cities.

The cost of a SIM card varies depending on the operator and the package you choose. However, in general, you can expect to pay around 100-200 som (approximately $1.20-$2.40) for a basic package that includes some data and voice minutes. If you need more data or international calling, you can purchase additional packages or add-ons.

Having a local SIM card can be beneficial if you plan to travel to remote areas of the country or if you need to stay connected for work or other purposes. With a local SIM card, you can access the internet on your phone and use apps such as Google Maps to navigate. You can also make local calls and send text messages at a lower cost than using an international SIM card.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kyrgyzstan’s internet and connectivity situation is relatively good, with easy access to WiFi and affordable local SIM cards. While the internet speed may be slow, the reliability of the connection is generally good, and the infrastructure is improving. If you are planning to travel to Kyrgyzstan, it is worth considering getting a local SIM card to ensure that you can stay connected, especially if you plan to travel to remote areas of the country.