"No plans in place": The Ministry of Digital Development has once again commented on the emergence of a new operator.

"I was only talking about the potential possibility that it exists. However, there are currently no plans from the regulator to introduce a fourth mobile operator into the market."

"In fact, if the three operators currently in operation compete effectively in the market, we see no need to increase competition further," - stated Askhat Orazbek.

Journalists inquired whether such statements from the relevant authority could be seen as an attempt to exert pressure on the market.

"Not at all," - the deputy minister replied briefly, adding that the ministry has several levers of influence over telecommunications operators, aside from tariff regulation.

Recall that earlier, on January 21, Deputy Minister of Digital Development Askhat Orazbek announced the possibility of introducing another cellular operator in a briefing at the government. "(...) I want cellular operators to hear this now, we have prepared frequency bands for another operator - we will launch a fourth mobile operator into the market," he said.

The following day, the Ministry of Digital Development clarified its statement, stating that "the ministry is not currently considering any specific plans for launching a new mobile operator."

Additionally, the Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry spoke about the potential for an increase in mobile internet prices. The Ministry of Digital Development also addressed why Kazakhstan ranks below 50th place in the national internet speed and quality rating.