Kazakhstan operator Altel, a subsidiary of national operator Kazakhtelecom, has launched its new LTE/GSM/UMTS network, reports Telecompaper.com. Mobile Internet services are now accessible over smartphones supporting LTE, with voice connection services available over GSM/UMTS. The network has been deployed in Almaty, Astana, Karaganda, Aktobe, Atyrau, Aktau, Shymkent and Ust-Kamenogorsk.

The operator plans to cover all regional centers with the network by or during September. Cities and towns of over 50,000 residents will be covered by the end of the year. HD Voice technology is accessible over GSM/UMTS. The network was built to be future-proof, allowing the future launches of VoLTE and LTE Advanced technologies.