Digital Silk Road - The Times Of Central Asia

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Digital Silk Road

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan Push Ahead with Digital Corridor Across Caspian

Marine research is underway to determine the optimal route for the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable, a vital component of the ambitious “Digital Silk Way” initiative aimed at building a high-capacity digital corridor connecting Europe and Asia, Media.az reported. The ongoing survey, which includes shoreline assessments and detailed seabed analysis, will define the shortest, safest, and most environmentally sustainable path for the cable. Research began simultaneously from the Azerbaijani and Kazakhstani coasts and is expected to take up to four weeks. Emil Masimov, Chairman of AzerTelecom’s Board, visited the Turkan research vessel, where the survey is being conducted. During his visit, he reviewed the ship’s technical capabilities and met with the crew and engineering teams. “The Trans-Caspian cable project is progressing rapidly. With the launch of this marine survey, we are entering a crucial phase of construction,” Masimov said. “This step will boost regional digital connectivity and position the Caspian Sea as a key link in global digital infrastructure. Both Azerbaijani and Kazakh teams are using cutting-edge technology and professional expertise, and I am confident the work will be completed on schedule.” The 380-kilometer underwater cable will run from Sumgayit, Azerbaijan, to Aktau, Kazakhstan, and is expected to offer a transmission capacity of up to 400 terabits per second. Once operational, the line will significantly strengthen intercontinental data flows. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. Kazakhtelecom is leading the project on the Kazakh side, while U.S.-based Pioneer Consulting is providing technical oversight and consultancy services. The Trans-Caspian cable is a central element of the broader “Digital Silk Way” initiative, which envisions a modern telecommunications corridor passing through Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The project aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency data routes that promote regional cooperation, digital integration, and sustainable economic development.

Digital Technologies

Opinion: Latecomer Advantage – Central Asia’s Prospects for Embracing Technology

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Astana, Kazakhstan for the second China–Central Asia Summit marks another milestone in reviving a historic bond shaped by the ancient Silk Road — a shared civilizational journey linking China and Central Asia. Today, as the world enters an era dominated by technology as a key driver of development, Central Asian countries have the opportunity to leverage a latecomer advantage by narrowing the digital gap, cultivating technical talent, and harnessing technology for poverty reduction and inclusive growth. Closing the Digital Gap: Role of the Digital Silk Road The rise of the digital economy is reshaping the very foundation of modern development. Just as reliable electricity, transportation networks, and other essential infrastructure once formed the critical foundations for development, digital infrastructure has now become an indispensable pillar for economic and social advancement. The digital world is inherently shared, a phenomenon that can be understood as the ‘digital commons’. It refers to spaces where access and contribution are mutually reinforcing — the value of digital resources grows as more people use them, more knowledge is exchanged, and more services become interconnected. In light of this, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed building the Digital Silk Road of the 21st Century as early as May 2017 to help close the digital gap among participating countries. For Central Asian countries, the task is to achieve more inclusive digital connectivity. This means not only expanding coverage and improving the quality and speed of connections but also embedding digital solutions more deeply into daily life — across education, commerce, healthcare, etc. These are essential steps toward fully realizing the shared benefits of the digital commons. Mature digital business models from other parts of the world offer valuable blueprints that can be directly adopted or adapted to local contexts. In education, mobile-based learning platforms and virtual classrooms have proven effective in overcoming limited local resources. Expanding access to vocational training, language courses, and digital literacy programs is essential to build a workforce ready for the modern economy. In commerce, the rapid rise of mobile payment systems and cross-border e-commerce platforms has the potential to fundamentally reshape the models small businesses operate. By replicating proven models in mobile finance and logistics management, Central Asian countries can open new pathways for local producers to connect with global markets. ln healthcare, telemedicine provides another avenue where digital solutions can directly address the challenges of limited medical resources and vast geographic distances. Online diagnostic services and remote consultations can expand access to basic healthcare services and help strengthen public health resilience. These models are especially applicable because they are already functioning effectively in comparable emerging markets. Many of today's digital solutions are highly scalable and transferable, requiring only sufficient connectivity and a capable user base. Seizing the latecomer advantage: Talent is the key While lagging in technology may seem a disadvantage, it can also serve as a strategic advantage when viewed differently. This is the essence of what is known as the latecomer advantage — the ability of less developed countries...

Telecommunication Internet Foreign Investment Digital Silk Road

Kazakhstan to Establish 5G Mobile Coverage by 2026

On June 18, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Zhaslan Madiev updated the government on progress on improvements to the country’s Internet and mobile communication. International data indicates that the share of the population using the Internet in Kazakhstan is now on par with that of developed countries. Traffic growth has increased by 61.5% since 2020, and the number of users, by 12.9%. According to Speedtest Ookla, in April 2024, Kazakhstan ranked 66th with an average Internet speed of 43.6 Mbps, higher than Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Wired Internet is currently available in 2,606 of Kazakhstan’s 6,290 villages, with plans in place to connect optical communication lines through the PPP mechanism to 3,010 villages. Mobile Internet is now accessible in 4,866 villages. As part of tax incentives in 2023, 1,161 villages were connected to 4G technology. Work to connect the remaining 1,424 villages is ongoing. Regarding the further development of 5G technology, operators Kcell and Tele2 will continue work to expand 5G coverage in the cities of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, as well as regional centres. To date, 1,144 base stations have been installed in 20 cities. “In accordance with instructions issued by the Head of State, the introduction of 5G mobile communications should be completed before the end of 2025,” reported the minister. Madiev then outlined the three steps required to develop the Digital Silk Road and turn Kazakhstan into a regional digital hub. The first is to lay a 370-kilometer fiber-optic line along the bed of the Caspian Sea with investment by telecom operators in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan amounting to more than 23 billion tenge. A joint venture has been created between Kazakhtelecom JSC and Azertelecom LLC, and a tender to select a contractor for the design and installation of an underwater fibre-optic line is underway. The second is the construction of the national West-East Internet hyper highway, which will increase Internet transit traffic across Kazakhstan. The final step is the construction of a data processing centre, no lower than Tier-III level, for storing transit and international traffic.