Within the framework of the Digital Silk Road project, which envisages the creation of a new digital corridor between Europe and Asia on the initiative of Azerbaijan, the laying of the first fiber-optic cable line along the bottom of the Caspian Sea has been successfully completed.
Sea-news.az reports that the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line project is implemented by “AzerTelecom” and “Kazakhtelecom” companies. Within the scope of the project, a 380-kilometer-long underwater fiber-optic cable line was laid from the Azerbaijani side, from the city of Sumgayit towards the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The armored fiber-optic cable was laid along a safe and stable route along the bottom of the Caspian Sea using a vessel equipped with special machinery.
Emil Masimov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “AzerTelecom,” emphasized the strategic importance of the project. According to him, laying the fiber-optic cable line along the bottom of the Caspian Sea is one of the main components of the Digital Silk Road project, which envisions the creation of a new digital corridor via Azerbaijan.
Emil Masimov noted that one of the main reasons for the technical complexity of the project is that this type of infrastructure is being created along the bottom of the Caspian Sea for the first time. Currently, work is ongoing towards the integration of the cable line with coastal infrastructure and the construction of terrestrial infrastructure.
The Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line is planned to be commissioned by the end of 2026.
- Internet connection exceeding 400 terabits/s: With the full commissioning of the project, the creation of the first underwater digital route in the Caspian Sea and the provision of high-speed internet connectivity exceeding 400 terabits/s in the region are envisaged.
The new infrastructure will enable the exchange of large volumes of data, and will also contribute to the development of digital services in the region and the acceleration of data exchange between countries.
The Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line is an important part of the Digital Silk Road project. Within the project, the creation of a digital telecommunication corridor passing through the territories of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Bulgaria is intended.
The Digital Silk Road will be one of the optimal and shortest routes ensuring the transmission of data with high bandwidth and minimal latency. The project is expected to boost the strengthening of digital connectivity, regional cooperation, and sustainable development among regional countries.
- About the companies:
- “AzerTelecom” is a leading international backbone operator in the region. The company provides internet traffic wholesale, transit, transmission, and other services. “AzerTelecom” is part of “Azerconnect Group,” which operates within the international group of companies “NEQSOL Holding” operating in various countries and sectors.
- “Kazakhtelecom” is Kazakhstan’s largest telecommunications company and national telecommunications operator. The company provides fixed telephony, broadband internet, digital television, mobile communications, and other telecommunications services.
