Trans-Caspian fiber optic link between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan planned for launch in Q3 2026

ASTANA. April 9 (Interfax) - A trans-Caspian fiber-optic communication line is scheduled for commissioning in Q3 2026, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Minister Zhaslan Madiyev said.

"The trans-Caspian fiber-optic line is in the implementation stage and will be launched in the third quarter of this year. It will strengthen Kazakhstan's role in transiting internet traffic between China and Europe," Madiyev said at the Freedom Inside 2026 forum on Thursday.

As part of the project, a communication line 380 km long will be laid between Sumgayit (Azerbaijan) and Aktau (Kazakhstan). The planned capacity of the underwater line is up to 400 Tbit/s, which will enable the transmission of large amounts of data.

The trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line is part of the Digital Silk Road megaproject to create a digital telecommunications corridor that will pass through the territories of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The infrastructure will provide the most efficient and fastest route with high data transfer speed and minimal latency, significantly strengthening regional cooperation and contributing to the sustainable development of these countries.