Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan advance $50 million Caspian Sea fiber-optic project
Submarine cable set to turn Caspian Sea into digital bridge linking Asia and Europe by end of 2026
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have moved into the implementation phase of a long-awaited submarine fiber-optic cable project under the Caspian Sea, aimed at transforming Eurasian connectivity. The high-capacity cable system, stretching nearly 400 kilometers, is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
According to The Times of Central Asia, the $50.6 million initiative will create a direct digital link between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, enhancing both countries’ roles as key digital transit hubs between Asia and Europe.
Originally proposed in 2019, the project involves laying two parallel underwater fiber-optic lines between the two nations. While initial partners included Kazakh operators Transtelecom and KazTransCom alongside Azerbaijan’s AzerTelecom, leadership shifted in 2023 when Kazakhtelecom JSC took over as the main stakeholder on Astana’s behalf.
The agreement between Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom was formalized in August 2023 through a joint venture signed in Amsterdam. Since then, national operators have completed coastal site surveys, determining the locations for both the beach manhole and the cable landing station.
A specialized survey vessel from Kazakhstan’s Bautino port is currently studying the seabed to assess depth, terrain, and geological conditions to finalize the cable route.
“This digital bridge will be built for the future,” said Bagdat Mussin, CEO of Kazakhtelecom. “It’s designed to support at least 400 terabits per second, creating a unique artery of data between Asia and Europe.”
The cable forms part of a broader regional strategy to boost digital transformation, data sovereignty, and sustainable infrastructure across Eurasia. Once complete, it is expected to significantly enhance internet speed, reliability, and regional data transit capacity.
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