Underwater Fiber-Optic Cable Construction Initiative Begins in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan
The underwater fiber optic cable project between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, aimed at enhancing digital connectivity between Asia and Europe, has entered its active implementation phase. The project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, involves laying two parallel fiber-optic cables approximately 380 to 400 kilometers long, connecting the Kazakh port city of Aktau with the Azerbaijani city of Sumqayit.
Key developments and status details include:
- Joint Venture Formation: In August 2023, Kazakhtelecom and Azerbaijan’s AzerTelecom signed a joint venture agreement in Amsterdam to jointly manage the project.
- Site Surveys Completed: Both sides have finished coastal surveys, selecting precise locations for essential infrastructure such as beach manholes and cable landing stations.
- Seabed Survey Underway: A specialized survey vessel equipped for underwater research departed from Kazakhstan’s Bautino port recently to map the seabed. It is assessing seabed depth, terrain, underwater currents, and geological fissures, which is critical to finalizing the cable route and technical specifics.
- Project Cost: Estimated at about $50.6 million, the project is part of a broader "Digital Silk Road" initiative aiming to enhance regional digital connectivity, data sovereignty, and infrastructure.
- Strategic Importance: Upon completion, this cable will be the first-ever submarine fiber-optic link across the Caspian Sea, linking Central Asia and the South Caucasus, improving internet speed and reliability, and serving as a key data transit corridor between Asia and Europe.
Bagdat Mussin, chair of Kazakhtelecom, is involved in the project. The planned capacity of the fiber optic link is at least 400 terabit per second, making it a strategic "telecommunications bridge" between Asia and Europe. The vessel will conduct in-depth research into the terrain, depths, underwater currents, and geological fissures to ensure the success of the project.
[1] Kazakhtelecom press release, August 6, 2023. [2] AzerTelecom press release, August 6, 2023. [3] Digital Silk Road initiative website. [4] Caspian Sea Project website. [5] Bautino port website.
- The active implementation phase of the underwater fiber optic cable project, which aims to bridge Asia and Europe, follows the joint venture formation between Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom, as they signed an agreement in Amsterdam to manage the project collaboratively.
- The planned capacity of the submarine fiber-optic link, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, is at least 400 terabit per second, making it a strategic "telecommunications bridge" that will serve as a key data transit corridor between Asia and Europe.
