Tajikistan has officially launched an international digital corridor with China, establishing a direct fiber-optic connection across the Kulma–Karasu border crossing. The project is expected to strengthen the country’s international internet connectivity, expand data transit capacity and create new opportunities for digital services and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
According to OJSC Tajiktelecom, the launch ceremony was held at the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan. Tajiktelecom Director-General Bakhtovar Abudsattorzoda and Lu Jing, head of the Eurasian region at China Mobile International Limited, signed the project documents and jointly activated the connection.
The new route links the telecommunications networks of the two countries through the high-altitude Kulma Pass on the Tajik-Chinese border.
A new route for international data traffic
The project is part of Tajikistan’s National Development Strategy through 2030 and its Communications Sector Development Strategy through 2040. One of its key objectives is to overcome the country’s communications deadlock by diversifying international connectivity routes.
The corridor is also expected to contribute to Tajikistan’s target of increasing the total capacity of its international communications channels to 2 terabits per second (Tbit/s) by 2030.
The Dushanbe–Khorog–Kulma fiber-optic trunk line stretches 1,010 kilometers, including a challenging 435-kilometer section through the mountainous terrain of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). At Kulma Pass, located 4,363 meters above sea level, the line connects to China’s network. The Chinese section extends approximately 6,100 kilometers to Beijing, according to the company.
The corridor is Tajikistan’s fifth international communications gateway, providing an additional route for data traffic between China and Central Asia, with the potential to extend connectivity to South Asia.
Capacity could reach 10 Tbit/s
During the initial phase, a 16-fiber optical cable was deployed along the Dushanbe–Khorog–Kulma route. Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) equipment provides an initial capacity of up to 1 Tbit/s, enabling a direct connection with China and allowing some national data traffic to be rerouted.
According to Tajiktelecom, the system’s capacity could be increased to 10 Tbit/s through the installation of additional equipment. The company says the infrastructure could eventually support channels with capacities of several hundred terabits per second.
The additional route is also expected to improve network resilience by providing an alternative connection to international networks if other routes experience disruptions.
For GBAO, the project could expand opportunities in telecommunications, education and business by improving access to international digital services.
Potential for AI data centers and cloud services
Tajiktelecom says the corridor could support the development of artificial intelligence data centers, cloud computing services and other digital infrastructure in Tajikistan.
The company believes the combination of direct connectivity to Asian networks and the country’s hydropower resources could make Tajikistan more attractive for investment in data processing and computing infrastructure.
The new route is also intended to provide a direct connection between Tajiktelecom’s network and the Hong Kong Internet eXchange (HKIX), a major internet traffic exchange point in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to the company, this connectivity could improve access to international cloud platforms, content delivery networks and online services. Potential beneficiaries include Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure, as well as services such as YouTube, Netflix and major Chinese e-commerce platforms.
However, the extent to which the new route will improve access speeds for individual users will depend on network routing, service providers and the configuration of the wider internet infrastructure.
Tajiktelecom also says the connection could improve the resilience of the national network through access to internet infrastructure hosted at HKIX, including mirrors of root Domain Name System (DNS) servers.
Officials describe the corridor as a strategic project
Lu Jing of China Mobile International said the launch marked an important step in developing international telecommunications infrastructure in Central Asia and advancing the Digital Silk Road initiative.
He said the corridor would provide a high-speed, secure transit route and support regional digital transformation and international economic cooperation.
Tajiktelecom Director-General Bakhtovar Abudsattorzoda described the project as a strategic step towards positioning Tajikistan as a digital hub in Central Asia. He said the government was supporting the development of data centers by allocating sites and offering preferential conditions for investment.
The company said the new connection would benefit domestic users through improved network reliability while creating additional opportunities for international businesses and regional digital cooperation.
About the companies
China Mobile International Limited is the international telecommunications subsidiary of China Mobile, one of the world’s largest telecommunications operators. It provides international data transmission, dedicated communication channels, cloud services, data center infrastructure and other digital solutions.
OJSC Tajiktelecom is Tajikistan’s national telecommunications operator. Founded in 1996, it provides internet, fixed-line communications, IPTV and public Wi-Fi services and participates in the development of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.