New Subsea Cable Gives Central Asia a Russian-Free Digital Highway to Europe
A 380-kilometre submarine fiber-optic cable linking Sumgait in Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan’s coast was completed on Aug. 5, creating the first high-capacity data route from Central Asia to Europe that bypasses Russian networks, with commercial service expected by the end of 2026.
On Aug. 5 a submarine cable laid from Sumgait, Azerbaijan, reached the Kazakh coast, completing the seabed stage of the Trans-Caspian Fiber Optic Cable. The 380-kilometre link, built by Kazakhtelecom and AzerTelecom, will start commercial service by the close of 2026 and provides the first high-capacity data pathway from Central Asia to Europe that avoids Russian territory. This project aligns with the TRIPP corridor through Armenia, which connects mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave and Turkey, and underpins regional AI ambitions such as Nvidia-based supercomputers in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, plus Firebird’s AI factory in Armenia.
Leaders note that about 95 % of Kazakhstan’s international internet traffic currently traverses Russian networks, making a Russian-free route a security priority. Yet U.S. engagement is hampered by outdated legislation, notably the Jackson-Vanik amendment and Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which require annual presidential waivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and regional partners are urging repeal of these provisions to secure long-term investment in digital and AI infrastructure.
Why it matters
It gives the region a secure, Russia-free internet backbone essential for trade, AI growth and geopolitical stability.
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