Kazakhstan

There are 4 network operators in the country in 2015, coming down to 3 in 2016: 2G is up to EDGE on 900 MHz on all networks. 3G up to DC-HSPA+ on 2100 MHz on all networks. 4G/LTE started on Altel only in 2014 on 1800 MHz and covers about 56% of the population in 2015. Altel shut down the last CDMA network in 2015.
 * K'cell 
 * Beeline 
 * Tele2 merging with
 * Altel

In late 2015 Tele2 and Altel (Kazakhtelecom) announced plans to combine their mobile operations in the country by creating a joint venture and merging their two networks in 2016.

K'cell and Beeline traditionally offer the best coverage and quality of service, but the other providers Tele2 and Altel offer discounted rates and 4G/LTE speeds (on Tele2 soon).

There are a lot of small reseller offices in the airports, train stations and shops, but employees mostly don't speak English (except possibly in the airports). You are required to present your ID at the point of purchase by legislation, but this may not be enforced so strictly.

Dialling rules
For dialling Kazakhstan has some specifics: The international dialing prefix is "8->10" - callers dial '8', wait for a tone, and then dial '10', followed by the country code, area code and number. The long distance and domestic mobile dialing prefix is "8" - callers dial '8', wait for a tone, and then dial the area code and number. Under an agreement with Russia, Kazakhstan uses the same country code "+7" like Russia. So for calls to Russia, you can skip internatl. access and country codes.

You can cut costs for international calls by using call cards sold at mobile phone shops and kiosks. You scratch off a PIN, dial a local access number given on the card and further instructions then are available in English.