NEQSOL Holding launches Trans-Caspian fiber cable linking Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan

NEQSOL Holding marked a key milestone in its Digital Silk Way project with the official launch of a Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable on October 23, 2026. The link is meant to strengthen digital traffic between Europe and Asia with a 380-kilometer route across the Caspian Sea.

Why it matters: - The Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable is a core piece of NEQSOL Holding’s Digital Silk Way project, which aims to build a new digital telecommunications corridor between Europe and Asia. - The cable adds a high-capacity route for data traffic between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, with implications for regional connectivity, trade and digital infrastructure. - The project’s scale and cross-border setup position it as a strategic asset for Eurasia’s internet backbone.

What happened: - NEQSOL Holding announced the official inauguration of the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable on October 23, 2026. - The launch ceremony included President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. - The two presidents jointly inaugurated the first fiber-optic cable laid across the Caspian seabed, connecting Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. - The project was implemented by AzerTelecom, which operates within Azerconnect Group under NEQSOL Holding, and Kazakhtelecom through their joint venture CaspiLink B.V.

The details: - The cable runs 380 kilometers between Sumgayit, Azerbaijan, and Aktau, Kazakhstan. - The line has a transmission capacity of more than 400 terabits per second. - The project required a safe route assessment, marine surveys, cable manufacturing and delivery, modification of a specialized vessel and seabed installation. - The cable was laid across the seabed of the Caspian Sea. - Nasib Hasanov, founder of NEQSOL Holding, said the Caspian region’s location between Europe and Asia gives the Digital Silk Way a chance to become a strong digital corridor. - Hasanov said the installation of the first fiber-optic cable across the Caspian Sea is a major achievement toward that goal. - Hasanov also thanked the governments of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan for support. - Yusif Jabbarov, chairman of the board of NEQSOL Holding, said the cable is a strategic investment in Eurasia’s digital infrastructure. - Jabbarov said the route should create a high-speed, reliable and more efficient data path between Europe and Asia.

Between the lines: - The launch signals progress on a project designed to reduce dependence on existing data routes by opening a direct trans-Caspian link. - The joint ceremony with both heads of state underscores official backing from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. - The project’s mention in international declarations suggests broader regional and institutional support beyond the companies involved. - The technical complexity of the build shows why the milestone matters: underwater cable projects require specialized engineering, logistics and cross-border coordination.

What’s next: - NEQSOL Holding framed the launch as one milestone in a broader effort to develop the Digital Silk Way corridor. - The new cable is expected to support faster and more efficient digital traffic between Europe and Asia as traffic demand grows. - The project’s commercial and infrastructure impact will depend on how quickly the link is integrated into regional networks.

The bottom line: - The Trans-Caspian Cable turns the Digital Silk Way from a concept into operating infrastructure, with a direct line now in place between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.