TurkNet and SOCAR Fiber have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to integrate their fibre optic networks along the TANAP natural gas pipeline, aiming to expand TurkNet’s fibre business and strengthen Turkey’s internet backbone. SOCAR Fiber owns an express fibre route running from the Georgian border to the Greek border, passing key cities including Bursa, Eskişehir, Ankara, Sivas, Erzurum, and Kars.
Under the partnership, TurkNet—already operating metro fibre networks in over 25 cities—will incorporate this route into its backbone network. This integration will enable TurkNet to offer cross-border connectivity extending to Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, and Iraq, while providing a terrestrial alternative to the Red Sea subsea cable routes linking the Gulf region to Europe.
The network also reaches Izmir and the Aegean coast, facilitating interconnection with potential subsea cables landing in the area. TurkNet CEO Cem Çelebiler emphasized that the partnership deploys a next-generation fibre network connecting Turkey seamlessly from east to west, diversifying and strengthening the country’s international connectivity.
This announcement follows SOCAR Fiber’s 2024 deal with EXA Infrastructure to develop the TANAP fibre network as a cross-country terrestrial route, enhancing subsea cable diversity along the Red Sea corridor. TurkNet plans to leverage the integrated backbone to expand its FTTH (Fiber to the Home) infrastructure and improve latency for Turkey’s major data centres connecting to its fibre network.
