The Digital Silk Way initiative, spearheaded by NEQSOL Holding to forge a fresh digital telecommunications route between Europe and Asia, has crossed a pivotal threshold with the formal activation of the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable—the venture’s cornerstone element.
Marking the occasion, the Republic of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev jointly presided over the cable’s launch ceremony, virtually inaugurating the pioneer fiber-optic line embedded beneath the Caspian seabed to directly link their two nations.
This ambitious cable project was brought to life by AzerTelecom—operating within the Azerconnect Group, itself a NEQSOL Holding entity—and Kazakhstan’s Kazakhtelecom through their collaborative venture, CaspiLink B.V., which was created specifically for this undertaking. Stretching 380 kilometers between Sumgayit in Azerbaijan and Aktau in Kazakhstan, the submarine cable boasts a transmission capacity exceeding 400 terabits per second (Tbps).
Nasib Hasanov, Founder of NEQSOL Holding, highlighted the broader vision: “The Caspian region has a unique position between Europe and Asia, and the Digital Silk Way aims to transform this advantage into a strong digital corridor. The installation of the first fiber-optic cable across the Caspian Sea is a major achievement toward this goal. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Presidents and governments of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan for their significant support in making this project possible.”
Echoing that sentiment, Yusif Jabbarov, Chairman of the Board of NEQSOL Holding, added: “The Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, a project of significant importance to the region, represents a strategic investment in Eurasia’s digital infrastructure. By establishing a high-speed, reliable and more efficient data transmission route between Europe and Asia, the project will strengthen international digital connectivity, contribute to regional cooperation and economic development.”
He further attributed the milestone to the professionalism, dedication and effective collaboration of the teams at AzerTelecom, Kazakhtelecom and CaspiLink B.V., along with all other parties involved in the implementation.
Bringing the cable to life required navigating intricate technical and engineering hurdles, from charting a secure and dependable cable path and conducting marine route surveys, to manufacturing and shipping the cable itself, retrofitting a specialized vessel, and finally laying the line across the Caspian Sea’s floor.
The significance of both the Digital Silk Way venture and the Trans-Caspian Cable has not gone unnoticed, with official declarations and documents from international organizations and regional platforms formally acknowledging their strategic value.
NEQSOL Holding operates as an international conglomerate with a presence in 11 countries spanning telecommunications, energy, high-tech, construction, and mining. The group serves a global customer base of 25 million and maintains a workforce of more than 20,000 individuals.
AzerTelecom stands as the region’s preeminent international backbone operator, delivering wholesale internet traffic, transit, transmission, and a suite of other telecommunications services. It functions under the Azerconnect Group umbrella, which is part of NEQSOL Holding.
Kazakhtelecom, meanwhile, is Kazakhstan’s largest telecom provider and carries the designation of national telecommunications operator, offering fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, digital television, mobile communications, and more.
For further details, contact:
Elmira Yenikeyeva
NEQSOL Holding
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Why it matters: This submarine cable isn’t just a technical feat—it’s a strategic bet on Eurasia’s digital future. By providing a direct, high-capacity artery between two continents, it could reshape data traffic flows, bolster regional economic ties, and offer a new level of redundancy for global internet infrastructure.
