Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan complete key stage of Trans-Caspian fibre link

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have completed a key phase in the construction of the Trans-Caspian fibre-optic communication line, with the submarine cable laid along the Aktau–Sumgayit route reaching the Kazakh coast, authorities said.

The project, which runs along the bed of the Caspian Sea, is being implemented by Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom International, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development told Azerbaijani media.

“The new backbone will connect the digital infrastructures of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and form a direct high-speed data transmission channel between Asia and Europe. It is expected that the line will increase the reliability of international communications and strengthen the transit potential of the two countries,” the ministry said.

Marine installation of the cable began in July 2026 and was carried out around the clock using a specialised vessel with a displacement exceeding 20,000 tonnes. The operation involved around 70 specialists.

The project has now entered the stage of connecting the cable to coastal infrastructure. Completion of onshore facilities, along with commissioning and system testing, is scheduled for the autumn.

Construction and future operation of the line are overseen by CaspiLink B.V., a joint venture between Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom International. The project is being financed entirely through the operators’ own funds, without recourse to state budget financing.

By Tamilla Hasanova