Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan complete subsea fiber-optic cable across Caspian
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Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have completed the subsea stage of a trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable linking Central Asia and Europe while bypassing Russia. Commercial operation is expected by the end of 2026. The 380-kilometer line runs from Sumgait, Azerbaijan, to Kazakhstan's coast and is being built by Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom.
Key Facts
- The subsea fiber-optic cable spans approximately 380 kilometers between Sumgait, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan's coast.
- Commercial operation of the line is expected by the end of 2026.
- About 95% of Kazakhstan's international internet traffic currently passes through Russian networks, according to the Internet Society.
- The project is implemented jointly by Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom.
- The cable will become part of the digital infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or Middle Corridor.
Cable Route and Operators
The 380-kilometer cable runs from Sumgait on Azerbaijan's coast to Kazakhstan's shore. Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom are jointly implementing the project. The line will form part of the digital infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor. The Middle Corridor connects China and Central Asia with Europe via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
Regional Connectivity and Alternatives
Around 95% of Kazakhstan's international internet traffic passes through Russian networks, according to Internet Society data cited by The National Interest. Kazakhstan also serves as a key transit hub for internet access for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, with much of that traffic continuing through Russia. A parallel communication route through Armenia is being developed under the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). The TRIPP project involves connecting mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and onward to Turkey. TRIPP Development Company, 74% owned by the United States, manages the route under a 49-year lease.
AI Infrastructure and Competition
Kazakhstan already operates two supercomputers based on Nvidia H200 accelerators. Azerbaijan launched its own supercomputer center in late 2025. In July 2026, U.S. company Firebird opened a large AI computing facility in Armenia. Firebird plans to expand the facility to 70,000 graphics processors and 300 MW by the end of 2027. Firebird also signed an agreement with Kazakhstan's Data Center Valley to develop two facilities with a combined capacity of 250 MW.
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Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan complete subsea fiber-optic cable across Caspian
