Huawei Supports Aztelekom's Efforts to Achieve Nationwide Internet Access in Azerbaijan

Breaking Barriers to Digital Connectivity in Azerbaijan

In a groundbreaking move for digital inclusion, Aztelekom, part of AZCON Holding, has partnered with Huawei to enhance broadband access throughout Azerbaijan. The ambitious 'Online Azerbaijan' initiative aims to provide internet services to 99.7% of the country's territory, effectively transforming the digital landscape for millions of citizens.

As of now, close to three million households and businesses — spanning both urban centers and remote villages — have gained access to high-speed internet and digital services. Notably, two million of these connections were established in the last two years alone. With a total population of 10.45 million, this initiative ensures that virtually the entire country can access high-performance internet.

Closing the Digital Gap

Hasan Omarov, CEO of Aztelekom, emphasized that this initiative is not merely about technological modernization. It is a strategic investment aimed at reducing digital inequalities, ensuring equal access to digital services, and facilitating the transformation of public services into a digital framework. He described the megaproject 'Online Azerbaijan' as one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the country's history. For the first time, all citizens, irrespective of their geographical location, can enjoy equal opportunities in the digital space, thanks to Huawei's advanced technological capabilities and innovative solutions.

As the initiative progresses, Huawei plans to implement cutting-edge technologies like 10G and 50G PON, paving the way for ultra-fast, reliable broadband services that cater to both homes and businesses. The initiative, kicked off in 2021 by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, aligns with government goals to enhance the average speed of stable broadband internet to 50Mbps by 2025.

Infrastructure Development

Under the TECH4ALL program, Huawei has played a crucial role in developing infrastructure across the country, including connecting some of the most remote villages with full optical gigabit-class solutions. Cui Yangyang, director of the TECH4ALL program, remarked that the widespread access to high-speed internet, regardless of the location, opens up new opportunities for citizens, allowing them to actively participate in the growing digital economy.

The planned telecommunications solutions focus on creating an end-to-end comprehensive infrastructure, replacing conventional electrical switching with optical technology, fulfilling demands for high bandwidth and minimal latency. The project is meticulously designed based on demographic density, infrastructural capacity, and social indicators across 14 economic regions of Azerbaijan.

At the outset, the average internet speed in Azerbaijan was a mere 11.7 Mbps. However, with the ongoing advancements in fiber-optic infrastructure and replacement of obsolete copper networks, this speed is projected to surpass 88.84 Mbps by 2025.

This remarkable progress has also elevated Azerbaijan's position in the UN E-Government Development Index by nine places, marking the first instance of the country entering the top tier of nations in the realm of digital public services.

A Model for Future Projects

The initiative has continually been showcased as a case study at various industry conferences and received multiple international awards, including accolades from Harvard Business Review Türkiye and 'Principles of Modern Marketing' by Philip Kotler. In the past, many rural regions faced limited access to modern connectivity infrastructure and digital services.

With the advent of reliable and fast internet in traditionally isolated mountainous villages like Khinalig, local prospects have significantly improved. This transformation has supported the growth of small and medium enterprises, rejuvenated tourism, and allowed local artisans to showcase their traditional crafts to a global audience through live streaming. Enhanced connectivity has also broadened access to online education in rural schools, thereby diminishing digital exclusion and providing students with learning opportunities comparable to their urban counterparts.

As educational capabilities expand nationwide, initiatives in telemedicine and smart city projects are concurrently being launched. The next phase of the 'Online Azerbaijan' program aims to extend the reach of 5G and the Internet of Things to the most remote regions, with a strong focus on energy efficiency and the application of green technologies.

Conclusion

The TECH4ALL initiative represents Huawei's long-term commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainable growth in the digital world while collaborating with partners. Leveraging innovative technologies, the program aims to build an inclusive and sustainable digital future for all. For more information, visit Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative.