Azerbaijan is actively connecting fiber-optic cables through the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line, linking Europe and Asia via the Caspian Sea.

Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Project

Azerbaijan, through its telecom operator AzerTelecom (part of NEQSOL Holding), is implementing the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line (FOCL) in partnership with Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan's national telecommunications operator . The project involves laying a 380-kilometer submarine cable along the Caspian seabed between Sumgayit, Azerbaijan, and Aktau, Kazakhstan . This infrastructure is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity with a data transmission capacity of up to 400 terabits per second, supporting large-scale data transfers, cloud services, and emerging AI ecosystems .

Strategic Importance

The Trans-Caspian FOCL is a key component of the Digital Silk Way initiative, launched by NEQSOL Holding to create a direct digital corridor between Europe and Asia . By linking Azerbaijan's and Kazakhstan's networks, the project aims to:

• Enhance internet quality and stability in both countries
• Reduce latency for international data traffic
• Support regional economic cooperation and attract foreign investment
• Strengthen Azerbaijan's role as a regional digital hub

Project Timeline and Implementation

Construction of the cable is actively underway, with official operations scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026 . The project is being executed in phases, with the first phase connecting Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, and a planned second phase extending to Turkmenistan . Supervision and design support are provided by Pioneer Consulting, ensuring technical and operational standards are met .

Broader Digital Impact

The FOCL is expected to facilitate international data transit, improve bandwidth for large-scale digital services, and reduce reliance on traditional routes. It also positions Azerbaijan as a strategic digital gateway between Europe and Central Asia, complementing other regional connectivity projects and supporting sustainable development across participating countries . In summary, Azerbaijan's fiber-optic initiatives, particularly the Trans-Caspian FOCL, represent a major step in regional digital integration, enhancing connectivity, economic cooperation, and technological advancement across Eurasia.