Kazakhstan has completed a key stage in the implementation of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic communication line (FOCL) across the Caspian Sea, which will connect the digital infrastructure of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
According to a statement published by the official information resource of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, the subsea cable has successfully reached the Kazakh coast, marking the completion of the most challenging part of the project being implemented by Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom International.
The new Aktau–Sumgayit route will become a direct high-speed digital data transmission corridor between Asia and Europe, improving the reliability of international telecommunications links and strengthening the transit potential of both countries.
The completion of the subsea works was observed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom Bagdat Mussin, and CEO of AzerTelecom International Ana Nakashidze.
The project was launched in 2025. During the preparatory stage, specialists carried out engineering surveys, identified the optimal route and conducted cable testing. The subsea cable installation began in July 2026 and was carried out around the clock using a specialized vessel with a displacement of more than 20,000 tons. A total of 70 specialists were involved in the works.
“We have completed the most challenging stage of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic communication line construction – laying the cable along the seabed of the Caspian Sea. The new route will strengthen Kazakhstan’s digital connectivity with global data transmission networks and create a foundation for the further development of artificial intelligence, cloud technologies and modern data centers,” Zhaslan Madiyev said.
According to him, the development of digital infrastructure will help Kazakhstan strengthen its position as a strategic digital bridge between Europe and Asia.
Bagdat Mussin noted that the project will create a high-speed digital backbone with minimal signal latency.
“This project confirms our ability to implement infrastructure projects of any level of complexity within record timeframes. We are creating a high-speed digital backbone with minimal signal delay that will set new standards for the reliability of international traffic,” the head of Kazakhtelecom said.
The cable is currently being connected to the coastal infrastructure. Completion of the land-based infrastructure, commissioning works and system testing are scheduled for autumn 2026.
CaspiLink B.V., a joint venture between Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom International, is responsible for the construction and further operation of the backbone. The project is being implemented using the operators’ own funds without budget financing.
