The development of telecommunications in the republic begins in the XIX century... 

1873 In the town of Pishpek the first telegraph station in Kyrgyzstan began to work, which belonged to the Turkestan telegraph department of the city of Verny. All postal and telegraphic institutions of that time were under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. Telegraph communication was then used mainly for state purposes. 

1878 Due to the inconvenient geographical location of Tokmak (remoteness from the main Chimkent-Verny road) and unfavorable weather conditions (Tokmak stood on swamps), the center of the county was moved to Pishpek, which from that time became a county town. On April 29, 1878 on the basis of the order of the military governor the post office of Tokmak was ordered to move to Pishpek, which was executed on May 13, 1878. The post office in Pishpek was located on the north side of Tashkent Street (Zhibek-Zholu Street) between Bazarnaya and Pushkinskaya Streets (Sovetskaya Street and Erkindik Boulevard) in house No. 385 (Pervomayskiy Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs). The second premises of the postal and telegraph office in Pishpek (this was the name of the telegraph station from 1885 after the merger with the postal office) was located in the area of Pushkinskaya and Pervomayskaya Streets.  

The territory of all Kyrgyzstan at that time was divided and was included in 4 provinces of Turkestan: Semirechenskaya, Syrdarya, Fergana and Samarkand. There were post stations in Pishpek, Naryn and Karakol in the north of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan was the outskirts of tsarist Russia and therefore the network of postal and telegraphic institutions grew slowly, new post offices were opened with difficulty. The big brake was the lack of premises. To open new offices apartments were hired from private persons.   

1883 There were 11 telegraph stations in the region with 46 officials.  

1885 Telegraph communication was opened in Osh.

1890 A new telegraph line from the Urjarskaya station to Bakhty, 100 versts, 1303 poles, was built. That's why the post office of IV class in Bakhty was transformed into post-telegraph office of VI class and thus there were 19 post-telegraph offices in the region in the reporting year. 8 of them were post-telegraph offices: Vernenskaya (III class), Jarkentskaya and Kuldzinskaya (V class). ), Dzharkent and Kuldjinskaya (V class), Kopalskaya, Pishpekskaya, Sergiopolskaya, Tsaritsinskaya and Bakhtinskaya (VI class), 6 postal telegraph offices: Borokhudzirskoe, Iliyskoe, Lepsinskoe, Malo-Ayaguzskoe, Otarskoe and Urjarskoe. There are 3 telegraph lines in the region. 22 apparatuses, 983 elements.  

1892 There were 19 postal-telegraphic establishments in the region in the reporting year, including 8 postal-telegraphic offices: Vernenskaya, Jarkentskaya, Kuldzha, Bakhtinskaya, Kopalskaya, Pishpekskaya, Sergiopolskaya, Tsaritsynskaya.  

5 postal and telegraph offices: Lepsa, Malo-Ayaguz, Urjar, Otar, Iliysk.  

2 post offices: Lepsinskiy (city), Przhevalskiy.  

4 post offices: Borokhudzir, Naryn, Sarkand and Tokmak.  

22 apparatuses, 933 items.

1900 Telegraph communication Tokmak - Prezhevalsk is organized.  

1905 A telegraph office was organized in Gulcha.  

1911 There were 5 Morse machines in Pishpek. Communication was carried out with Verny, Prezhevalsk, Dzhambul, Belovodsk, Tokmak.  

1912 Telegraph communication was organized in Naryn.  

1915 Pishpek - Tashkent bypassing overreception from Verny; Morse apparatuses were replaced by more perfect Klopfer apparatuses; telephone connection Gulcha - Irkeshtami, Osh - Karasu, Pokrovskaya - Uzgen was established.  

In Pishpek before October Socialist Revolution there was one telephone exchange for 20 numbers with 13 subscribers. The number of postal and telegraphic institutions established at the end of the 19th century in Semirechenskaya oblast from 1882 did not change until 1917.  

Further development of communication in Kyrgyzstan took place after the revolution.  

Communication networks in the republic developed slowly. By April 1921 there were only 19 (as in 1885) post offices and branches in the subordination of the Pishpek office.  

The second period of rapid growth of communication networks in the republic was the period from 1926 to 1940, when 20 million rubles were allocated for the development of communication in the republic, the number of communication enterprises increased 27 times. The length of telephone and telegraph lines amounted to 3353 km. If in 1924 only 2 telephone exchanges with the capacity of 40 numbers were put into operation, in 1934 there were already 19 telephone exchanges in the republic.

The first steps to organize telephone and telegraph communication in our republic were made in the 30s, when small telephone exchanges appeared in the cities of Frunze, Osh, Prezhevalsk, Rybachye, Jalal-Abad, Naryn.  

A special page in the history of communication development is occupied by radio-relay lines and television. The mountainous terrain of the republic determined the priorities of radio relay lines development. The created network of radio relay communication lines served as a basis for organization of long-distance and international telephone channels throughout the territory of the republic and beyond its borders, and what is not less important, it also made it possible to bring television programs to almost all corners of the country.  

1934 A short-wave radio station was built and a telephone connection was established with the city of Tashkent, and then with the cities of Osh, Przhevalsk, Jalal-Abad and Naryn.  

1936 A telegraph, telephone and telegraph-telephone station were separated from the postal and telegraph office.  

1938 Telegraph communication with Moscow started to work. The first city communication offices are opened.  

In 1941 the Great Patriotic War begins and the development of communication networks stops until its end. The rise of the industry began after the Great Patriotic War.  

Our republic in the Union was the pioneer of development in the first post-war years of a new type of radio communication on ultrashort waves, which later received the name of radio relay communication, using the principle of operation of a chain of radio stations. Initially, radio relay communication was used to organize several telephone channels, and by the middle of the 50s, the first radio relay systems were created, allowing simultaneous transmission of up to 120 telephone channels or black-and-white television programs.  

1946 A group of enthusiastic communicators headed by Ananyev K.N. confirmed the possibility of organizing direct radio communication on the route from the village of Poltavka (in the Chui region). Poltavka village (in the Chui valley) - Jalal-Abad, with intermediate points on the Kyrgyz and Fergana ridges.

All work on construction and operation of the first radio relay lines was carried out by the Republican Radio Center and later by the Department of Radio Relay Highways and Television (URM) of the Ministry of Communications of the Kyrgyz SSR established in 1958.  

In the 50s the automation of telegraph communication began.  

1954 In Frunze city the first in the republic automatic city telephone exchange of small capacity was put into operation. With the commissioning of the station the intensive development of electric communication means in the republic began.  

1955 The Ministry of Communications of the Kyrgyz SSR was established.  

1958 A direct radiotelegraphic link between Frunze and Moscow is established.  

In the period 1959-1963 intra-republican directions of radio-telegraph lines Frunze-Przhevalsk, Frunze-Naryn, Frunze-Talas come into operation.  

The Tashkent-Frunze-Alma-Ata RRL made it possible for the first time to receive a television program from Tashkent for broadcasting in Frunze and Alma-Ata, where the construction of republican TV centers was completed by that time.  

At all stages of development of the RRL network in the republic, in addition to the tasks of long-distance communication, the tasks in the field of television and radio broadcasting were simultaneously solved. By the beginning of the 70s, the republic had a clearly organized RRL network to provide the main directions of long-distance communication, including the exchange of television programs between the republics of Central Asia.

1964 The second in the USSR (the first in Moscow) automatic long-distance station was built in Frunze, which allowed subscribers to negotiate with other cities without the help of telephone operators. Such connections could be received with 47 large cities of the country and within the republic, including Moscow, Leningrad, Riga, Tashkent, Alma-Ata and others.

1968 In Frunze a receiving station of the satellite television system "Orbita" was put into operation, providing reception of programs in black and white.  

1970 Independent enterprises were established: Frunze Telegraph, Republican Intercity Telephone Station and Frunze City Telephone Network, whose teams had a great influence on the development of telecommunications in the republic. The intercity telephone exchange was headed for a long time by A.A. Guseva, the Frunze telegraph was headed by L.L. Rizin, then O.E. Esenaliev, the Frunze city telephone network was headed by S.N. Akimenko.  

1974 The station "Orbita" was reconstructed to receive color television.  

1978 Gazeta-2 complex was introduced to receive central newspapers from Moscow via communication channels.

The urban and rural telephone network was further developed.  

The capacity of the city telephone network at the end of 1980 amounted to 144,000 numbers, including 70000 numbers in Frunze city. The transition of the Frunze city telephone network to six-digit numbering was realized.
Such a convenient type of operative documentary communication as the subscriber telegraph was widely developed in the republic. Telegraphists of Kyrgyzstan initiated the introduction of facsimile technology (phototelegraphy) for processing telegrams.

1987 The Frunze-Moscow long-distance satellite line on the basis of 60 channel system began to operate through "Orbita" station.  

1993 With the independence of the Kyrgyz Republic for further development of telecommunication infrastructure in 1993, the State Unitary Enterprise "Kyrgyztelecom" was established.

1993 The First Telecommunication Project was launched. This project was financed by the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and on its basis a modern basic structure for further development of the digital telecommunication network in the republic was created. The project was aimed at cardinal modernization of the existing telecommunication network of the Kyrgyz Republic.

1997 Kyrgyztelecom GPES is reorganized into a joint stock company with a full-fledged corporate management structure.

1997 In addition to the First Project, OJSC KT envisaged implementation of the Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic communication line project. The concept of the project was based on the possibility of creating a powerful modern communication line that would pass through the countries of Asia and Europe by connecting them with a fiber-optic line. The construction of this line, stretching from west to east, from Frankfurt am Main (Germany) to Shanghai (China), makes it possible to exchange information on a global scale. The 24 countries of the world participating in the construction of TAE are connected by a powerful bundle of digital channels. A real opportunity was created to exchange information with the whole world along the "Silk Road". Then the second stage of modernization of the communication network in the republic started, which included modernization of the network of Chui oblast and southern regions of the republic, as well as completion of construction and commissioning of the TAE trunk line section passing through the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.  

1998 The First Telecommunication Project was completed. Within the framework of the project a digital telecommunication network was created, including satellite ground station of A standard (contract concluded with the American company COMSAT RSI, USA), digital backbone radio relay stations on SDH structure (NERA ASA, Norway), digital switching stations (ERICSSON, Sweden), fiber-optic communication lines (FOCL) on SDH structure and cable facilities (HT CABLE, Israel).  

Ground station of satellite communication of A standard (parabolic antenna) allows to provide direct communication with eight countries: Japan, China, India, Iran, Israel, Germany, England and a group of European countries. A digital SDH-structure radio relay backbone was created, which consists of 16 radio relay stations (RRS) closed in a ring. To increase the number capacity of the existing analog stations in Bishkek and regional centers (Osh, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Talas, Karakol and Cholpon-Ata) put into operation stations AXE-10 produced by ERICSSON with a total capacity of 50 thousand digital telephone lines. To date, an international intercity transit station (Gateway) for 3120 channels and stations for 28 thousand subscriber lines have been installed and put into operation in Bishkek. The remaining 22 thousand subscriber lines are distributed by regions. A 45 km long fiber-optic cable ring has been laid in Bishkek, connecting all digital stations. The transmission speed is 622 Mbit/s (STM-4 level, 1.3 µm wavelength), which provides more than 9,000 telephone channels.

1998 Kyrgyztelecom organized Frame Relay packet data transmission network, which united all oblast centers of the republic. This made it possible for large and medium-sized enterprises and organizations to create corporate networks.  

1998 The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Electric and Postal Communications" was adopted. Its purpose is to carry out the state policy in the communications industry and further development of telecommunications in the Kyrgyz Republic, to create a favorable environment for the development of competition and attraction of investments in the communications industry, as well as to regulate the work of telecommunications operators. In June 1998, the Government of the Republic adopted the "Concept of reorganization, denationalization and privatization of OJSC "Kyrgyztelecom" approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the LCD of the Kyrgyz Republic".  

1999 Implementation of the TAE project was closely connected with the Project of modernization of telecommunication structure of Chui oblast financed by the Economic Development and Cooperation Fund of the Republic of Korea. The Korean project envisaged modernization of communications in the settlements through which the TAE FOCL line passes. The project envisaged construction of a fiber-optic line in Bishkek - Kant - Ivanovka - Tokmok - Kemin, which together with TAE provides the whole north of the republic with a high-capacity transport network. The network covers 80 settlements of the region. Along with the use of optical systems, radio relay systems were used to access the network in some hard-to-reach areas.  

The country switched to international principles of communication organization and a new prospective numbering plan was introduced.  

1999 The project of modernization of the telecommunication network of Osh city, Osh and Batken oblasts financed by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development was launched. The project was dedicated to the 3000th anniversary of Osh. Its objective was to modernize the telecommunication base of the region. The capacity of the switching station in Osh city increased up to 30 thousand numbers.  

2000 The TAE project, the Chui project, the project of modernization of the telecommunication network of Osh city, Osh and Batken regions were successfully completed. Thus, the realization of these projects gave a huge socio-economic and political significance for the Kyrgyz Republic and provided a real opportunity to integrate the country into the world information space.  

At this stage, the number of international communication channels on the JSC KT network already corresponds to the level of economically developed countries of the world and to the growing demands of the Kyrgyz Republic itself. The problem in this area has been solved for the next 10-15 years. Completion of telecommunication infrastructure reconstruction gave the republic 90-% digitalization of the transport network and 25-% digitalization of the switching network of the republic. Tagaev A.T., Kayykov O.J. Mambetaliev M.M. Balbakov B.Sh. Okonov M.O. and others were active implementers of the First and Second telecommunication projects.  

2001 Kyrgyztelecom received the status of Internet service provider. This gave an opportunity to provide access to the global network to both private users and telecom operators.  

2002 A contract was signed with HUAWEI Company (China) for delivery of the Intellectual network system and ADSL broadband access system. Within the framework of this project the equipment of Intellectual network in Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad and Cholpon-Ata, as well as ADSL broadband access system in Bishkek were installed. Currently, all equipment is installed on the network and is in operation.  

Such services of the Intelligent Network as "free call" (0 800), "call with prepaid card" (0 805), "call with additional payment" (0 809), "televoting" (0 803) are provided.

2003 The priorities in 2003 were to ensure uninterrupted network operation, quality service to subscribers, network development taking into account the plans and needs of the Kyrgyz Republic, expansion of the range and improvement of the quality of services. The technical base was systematically modernized, new facilities were built, and the modern service area was expanded with the commissioning of digital lines. Net increase of the main telephone sets on local telephone networks in 2003 amounted to 4,818 numbers, including 27,515 digital numbers. The total installed capacity amounted to 502,634 numbers, including 184,127 digital numbers. The company got an opportunity to provide switched access to the Internet in Bishkek. "Kyrgyztelecom introduced a new service - "Internet on credit", which allows subscribers to use the World Wide Web resources without concluding a contract and preliminary subscription fee, with payment of the bill at the end of the month. The Prepaid Telephone Card won the contest "Choice of the Year in Kyrgyzstan" in the nomination "Telephone Card No. 1". In March 2003, in order to further modernize the Bishkek city telephone network and replace obsolete analog stations, the digital capacity of Bishkek was expanded by 20,040 digital subscriber lines. A second additional radio relay trunk to the existing one built under the First Telecommunications Project was built. A number of technical support contracts were signed with suppliers of digital switching stations, which will improve the quality of communication services.

In 2005, work was underway throughout the country to replace analog stations with modern digital switching systems. The total installed capacity of the stations amounted to 512,988 numbers, the level of digitalization was 40.6%. The number of subscribers reached 420 thousand. As of this year, 170,678 subscribers are connected to modern digital switching systems. In order to strengthen its market positions, Kyrgyztelecom OJSC pursues a targeted policy providing for expansion of the package of services provided, active marketing, introduction of new progressive technologies. Expansion of opportunities in providing broadband access to the Internet on the basis of ADSL technology both for subscribers of Bishkek city and the whole country remains a strategic direction. Application of this technology allows not only to unload the telephone network, but also opens up opportunities for providing new types of services.

In 2005, the development strategy of Kyrgyztelecom OJSC up to 2010 was elaborated and approved.

Implemented projects:

• Project of modernization of the clock synchronization system of the digital network.
• Project of modernization of telecommunication network of Jalal-Abat city and Nooken district. Jalal-Abat region.
• Project of modernization and development of resort zone of Ysyk-Kul oblast.
• Project of modernization and development of BGTS network.
• Satellite television project.

In 2006 works on replacement of analog stations with modern digital systems were carried out in the territory of the state. The total installed capacity of the stations amounted to 530900 numbers, the level of digitalization was 46%. The number of subscribers reached 434,000.Nationwide projects were launched and successfully implemented to make the latest generation telecommunication services available to all residents of Kyrgyzstan. Among them is the project on the development of the Issyk-Kul coast resort zone. Within the framework of this project, construction works on laying fiber-optic cable on the section of Tamchi village - Balyk-Kul coast were completed. Tamchi - Balykchy with the length of 44350 meters, which allowed to radically change the quality of communication. Let us note the project of telephonization of remote and hard-to-access non-telephonized villages of the Kyrgyz Republic. As of January 1, 2007, the works on implementation of the pilot project of CDMA450 equipment installation under the contract with Huawei Technologies in Batken oblast were completed. Now the most remote villages will have telephone communication. But the most significant was the project "Digital Future", which made it possible to make modern telecommunication services and high-tech communications available to all subscribers of Kyrgyztelecom OJSC.

In 2007, modernization of the network of the upper zone of Bishkek was completed. Bishkek, all analog and obsolete digital PBXs were replaced with new modern equipment, allowing to provide a wide range of quality communication services. Many previously started projects were realized.

2008 Modernization of existing and construction of new intra-area radio relay trunks. Construction of data and voice transmission systems based on packet switching. Construction of new transnational FOCL backbones. Re-engineering of business processes and implementation of CRM systems. The project on digitalization of intra-area communication lines included modernization of existing digital and analog radio relay lines and organization of new digital streams to each district center of the Kyrgyz Republic. As part of the project to introduce digital TV and radio broadcasting, in 2008 86 units of automatic TV repeaters and 182 units of radio broadcasting repeaters with radio signal reception from an artificial earth satellite were purchased and installed in remote settlements of Kyrgyzstan. In this way, FM broadcasting has been ensured with full coverage of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic with NTRC television broadcasts and the first program of the national radio. For the first time in the Kyrgyz Republic the project on introduction of digital television broadcasting in Batken oblast is being implemented, which will provide the residents of Batken oblast with multi-program broadcasting.

In 2009, Kyrgyztelecom was the first in the country to introduce affordable unlimited tariff plans, and in 2010, it provided an opportunity to the general public to get unlimited Internet for the lowest price in the history of the Internet market of Kyrgyzstan, thus encouraging other providers to reduce tariffs. In addition, the cost of external Internet traffic was reduced by 2 times for subscribers of Bishkek city on tariff plans including traffic. These steps of the company gave a tangible result to the country - a sharp increase in Internet users in Kyrgyzstan.