NEQSOL Holding to Build Trans-Caspian Fiber Link
NEQSOL Holding, a global business group operating in 11 countries and serving over 25 million customers, has officially commenced the construction of the first phase of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line. The project, developed in partnership with Kazakhtelecom, Kazakhstan’s national telecommunications operator, marks a significant step in the company’s Digital Silk Road initiative. This pioneering infrastructure development will establish a robust digital communications corridor between Europe and Asia, strengthening connectivity across the region.
The backbone fiber-optic cable, a first of its kind, will traverse Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea, playing a vital role in enhancing digital infrastructure and fostering economic development. Leading the implementation of the project is AzerTelecom, Azerbaijan’s backbone Internet service provider and a portfolio company of NEQSOL Holding.
A Game-Changing Initiative in Global Connectivity
The Digital Silk Road is a global initiative valued at over $250 million, designed to enhance digital connectivity, build resilient infrastructure, and drive economic progress for millions. A cornerstone of this initiative, the Trans-Caspian Cable Project, involves the construction of a 380-kilometer-long fiber-optic cable beneath the Caspian Sea. This critical infrastructure will connect Sumgait in Azerbaijan with Aktau in Kazakhstan, enabling ultra-fast data transmission and ensuring high-capacity connectivity with speeds of up to 400 terabits per second.
NEQSOL Holding’s CEO, Yusif Jabbarov, emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating: “The Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Cable Route is a key component of our broader Digital Silk Road initiative, which aims to establish a powerful digital communications corridor spanning Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. By providing a highly optimized and shortest path for data transmission, this cutting-edge infrastructure will deliver exceptional bandwidth and minimal latency, significantly boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.”
The project is expected to revolutionize the digital landscape of the region, allowing for seamless communication between Europe and Asia. It is anticipated to attract multinational enterprises, cloud service providers, and global telecom operators seeking reliable, high-speed, and low-latency network infrastructure.
Project Execution and Construction Phases
The Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable project will be developed through multiple phases, ensuring a meticulous and robust deployment. The construction will involve several key stages:
- Assessment and Planning: This phase includes a comprehensive study of coastal and seabed conditions to ensure optimal placement and security of the fiber-optic cables.
- Design and Production: Engineers will design durable, high-performance fiber-optic cables capable of withstanding underwater conditions, while manufacturing the required components using advanced materials and technology.
- Transportation and Installation: Specialized cable-laying ships will transport and install the fiber-optic cables along the designated undersea route, ensuring precision and structural integrity.
- Testing and Optimization: Following installation, rigorous testing will be conducted to verify signal strength, data transmission capacity, and network stability.
AzerTelecom and Kazakhtelecom have outlined an ambitious timeline for the project, aiming for full completion by the end of 2026. This landmark initiative will not only strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as a digital hub but also play a pivotal role in Kazakhstan’s telecommunications infrastructure expansion.
Enhancing Regional Economic and Digital Development
The establishment of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable will have far-reaching implications beyond digital connectivity. The infrastructure will catalyze economic development in several ways:
- Empowering Businesses and Enterprises: The improved connectivity will support local and international businesses by enabling faster, more reliable communications and cloud services.
- Strengthening Financial and Trade Sectors: The seamless data flow between Europe and Asia will enhance financial transactions, cross-border trade, and e-commerce activities.
- Driving Technological Innovation: The fiber-optic link will support cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and smart infrastructure projects.
- Improving Digital Inclusion: The project will bridge the digital divide by providing greater access to high-speed internet services for millions in the region.
With this ambitious infrastructure project, NEQSOL Holding is setting the stage for a digital revolution, fostering a more interconnected and technologically advanced Eurasian region.
A Historic Milestone for Eurasian Digital Connectivity
The launch of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable construction represents a defining moment in the evolution of Eurasia’s digital infrastructure. By spearheading this initiative, NEQSOL Holding is reinforcing its commitment to fostering a digitally empowered future, where high-speed connectivity fuels innovation, economic prosperity, and global integration.
As the project progresses toward completion in 2026, stakeholders across the telecommunications, business, and technology sectors will closely monitor its impact on global digital connectivity. The Trans-Caspian Cable Project is not just an infrastructure development; it is a gateway to a smarter, more connected, and digitally resilient Eurasian region.
