A major milestone in the construction of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic communication line has been achieved in Kazakhstan, as the submarine cable connecting Aktau and Sumgayit across the Caspian Sea has reached the Kazakh coastline.

According to Report's Kazakhstan bureau, citing the country's Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the project is being implemented by Kazakhtelecom JSC and AzerTelecom International.

"The new backbone network will connect the digital infrastructure of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, creating a direct high-speed data transmission link between Asia and Europe. The line is expected to enhance the reliability of international communications and strengthen the transit potential of both countries," the ministry said.

The offshore cable-laying operation began in July 2026 and was carried out around the clock using a specialized vessel with a displacement of more than 20,000 tonnes. A team of 70 specialists participated in the work. The cable is now being connected to the coastal infrastructure.

Construction of the onshore facilities, as well as commissioning and system testing, is scheduled to be completed in the autumn.

Construction and operation of the line are being managed by CaspiLink B.V., a joint venture between Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom International. The project is being financed entirely by the operators' own funds, without the use of public budget financing.