ASTANA
February 13, 2026
Kazakhstan is strengthening its position as a regional digital transit hub with the launch of the South Route telecommunications corridor, a new infrastructure link connecting Central Asia directly to the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East. The project has been launched by e& Carrier & Wholesale in partnership with Kazakhstan-based telecom operator TNS Global.
The new corridor establishes an additional route for international internet traffic, designed to improve network resilience, reduce latency, and enhance connectivity for telecom operators, cloud providers, and multinational enterprises operating across the region. By creating an alternative data pathway, the initiative aims to strengthen cross-border digital infrastructure and support growing demand for high-capacity connectivity.
The route passes through Kazakhstan, reinforcing the country’s strategic position as a digital bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The project also contributes to the broader Digital Silk Road initiative, which focuses on developing transregional data routes that connect major economic and technology markets while diversifying global traffic flows.
TNS Global provides the infrastructure backbone for the project, operating an extensive fiber-optic network exceeding 14,500 kilometers and maintaining more than 30 cross-border connections across Central Asia. The company delivers carrier-grade data transmission and connectivity services to telecom operators, enterprises, and global technology platforms.
e& Carrier & Wholesale, the international division of e&, brings regional infrastructure expertise and global connectivity capabilities to the partnership. The new corridor is expected to support growing demand from cloud service providers, international enterprises, and digital platforms, while also enabling data center development and supporting Kazakhstan’s expanding IT sector.
The South Route strengthens regional digital connectivity and further positions Kazakhstan as a critical node in international telecommunications infrastructure, supporting the expansion of digital services and cross-border data exchange between Central Asia and the Middle East.
