Since the early 2000s, Azerbaijan has been rapidly developing its information and communication technologies (ICT), including internet infrastructure. In recent years, significant strides have been made in this area, thanks to the implementation of the latest technologies and large-scale network modernization projects.
Early Steps
The internet in Azerbaijan began to develop in 1993. The first website was created in 1994 at the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, and the first government website was created for the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1997. Since 1993, the administration of the national top-level domain .az has been in place.
The development of the internet in the country was initially driven mainly by the private sector. Until 2000, the activities of internet service providers (ISPs) were licensed, but licensing was abolished in 2000, allowing any individual or legal entity to freely provide ISP services. Currently, about 40 ISPs operate in the country, of which only three (Aztelekomnet, Bakinternet, and Azdatakom) are state-owned. Connection to the international internet network is provided by two private companies, Delta Telekom and AzerTelecom, offering alternative ISP choices.
The key providers in the mobile internet market in Azerbaijan are Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar. These companies offer a wide range of services, including wired broadband access and communication services, and also provide 4G and, in some areas, 5G services.
Introduction of Innovative Technologies
In 2018, Azerbaijan introduced the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), which supports voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, and media distribution in telephony. This technology marked the beginning of subscribers’ migration to more modern network solutions.
Simultaneously, from 2006 to 2020, the country introduced Next Generation Networks (NGN) and Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) devices, enabling users to have unlimited access to various service providers and high-speed internet via digital subscriber lines. In 2006, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology was introduced, followed by Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL), significantly improving the quality and speed of internet services.
Transport Network Modernization and Fiber-Optic Networks Development
In 2018, a project was launched to modernize transport network systems by implementing Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) equipment and Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology. The main part of this project was completed in 2023, but efforts to expand the network and update software continue.
In 2019, Aztelekom introduced a new technology, the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), which improved voice traffic management and ensured full geographic redundancy of switched network systems. Full migration to this technology is planned for 2025.
Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the crossroads of international transport and communication corridors has enhanced its role in digital transit. In 2023, the country became an important component of the North-South and East-West digital transit corridors. The project to expand and upgrade the DWDM/IP-MPLS network will be completed in 2024.
Since 2022, active work has been underway to build new backbone cables to ensure the redundancy of Aztelekom’s fiber-optic transport network. This project is scheduled for completion in 2025.
Project “Online Azerbaijan”
In 2021, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport launched the “Online Azerbaijan” project, aimed at replacing ADSL equipment with Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) and modernizing cable infrastructure. GPON provides internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps and improves the quality of services, including IPTV.
By the end of 2024, the goal is to provide the entire population with high-speed internet and upgrade the network infrastructure. In 2023, more than 1.1 million households and businesses gained access to broadband internet.
According to the latest Ookla report, broadband internet speeds in Azerbaijan have increased over the past 12 months, exceeding 35.25 Mbps, indicating a 30% annual growth in internet service speeds. According to the Speedtest Global Index, the average fixed broadband internet speed in Azerbaijan is 27.57 Mbps, while the mobile internet speed is 32.06 Mbps.
Development Prospects
The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and High Technologies of Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in regulating and developing internet infrastructure. In recent years, the government has been taking measures to liberalize the ICT market, attract foreign investors, and promote innovation development. The government plans to continue network modernization, expand 5G coverage, and reduce internet service prices. One of the main issues remains the high cost of the internet, especially for rural residents, which the government intends to address, although work in this direction has been slow.
Since 2022, as part of the First State Program on the Great Return, efforts have been made to restore telecommunications infrastructure in the liberated territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. Aztelekom has developed and installed a GPON network for homes in the cities of Lachin and Shusha, as well as provided internet lines and broadband networks in the regions of Khankendi and Khojaly.
It is expected that the introduction of new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) will play a key role in further developing the country’s digital economy.
Conclusion
The level of internet development in Azerbaijan demonstrates significant achievements but also highlights the need to address existing issues. With continued infrastructure development and ICT market liberalization, Azerbaijan has the potential to become a regional leader in information technology. All these efforts and projects indicate substantial progress in developing internet infrastructure in Azerbaijan. The main goal remains to provide high-quality and sustainable telecommunications services to all residents, making Azerbaijan an important participant in the global digital ecosystem.