TeliaSonera is set to acquire Alem Communications, a WiMAX operator in Kazakhstan. In a statement, the Nordic-based group said that the target owns “valuable frequencies in the 2.5/2.6GHz band, which are compatible for use with WiMAX and other mobile data transmission technologies” – indicating an LTE rollout may be on the cards.

The company has also agreed to make a minority investment in KazTransCom, operator of a nationwide fibre optic network in the country, in partnership with Visor Group. It also has the option to subsequently increase this subject to approvals, and Kcell has also inked a deal to lease capacity from KazTransCom.

TeliaSonera already owns Kazakhstan operator Kcell, which according to Wireless Intelligence figures is the largest player in the market with 11.7 million connections – ahead of VimpelCom’s Beeline, which has 8.4 million.

Tero Kivisaari, president of the Eurasia business area for TeliaSonera, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to reach agreement in relation to these important transactions. They will be crucial for Kcell’s continued leadership in the rapidly growing mobile data sector and reaffirm our strategic commitment to developing mobile technologies and services in Kazakhstan.”

The Alem deal is valued at around US$170 million, with the KazTransCom deal at US$35 million – and both are subject to conditions including regulatory approval.