AzerTelecom and DE-CIX to launch new Internet exchange in Azerbaijan

AzerTelecom and DE-CIX have formed a strategic partnership to launch AZE-IX in Baku, a new Internet exchange designed to improve local traffic routing, lower latency and strengthen regional connectivity. The project also advances NEQSOL Holding’s Digital Silk Way initiative linking Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Why it matters: - AZE-IX is designed to keep more Internet traffic inside Azerbaijan, which should reduce latency and improve network performance. - The exchange is meant to strengthen the resilience of backbone networks and create more cross-border traffic exchange options. - The launch supports NEQSOL Holding’s Digital Silk Way project, a transcontinental digital corridor aimed at linking Europe and Asia.

What happened: - AzerTelecom and DE-CIX entered a strategic partnership to launch AZE-IX in Azerbaijan. - AzerTelecom is the international backbone operator within Azerconnect Group, part of NEQSOL Holding. - DE-CIX is the world’s leading Internet Exchange operator. - The announcement was made in Baku on September 11, 2026.

The details: - AZE-IX will act as a neutral platform for local and international networks, content providers, cloud service providers and enterprises. - The exchange will support data exchange and digital connectivity between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. - AZE-IX will use DE-CIX’s interconnection model, which already supports Internet Exchanges across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas. - Emil Masimov, chairman of the board of AzerTelecom, said AZE-IX will place Azerbaijan on the global map of Internet Exchanges and improve the efficiency and resilience of the country’s Internet infrastructure. - Masimov also said the platform will create new opportunities for regional and cross-border digital collaboration. - Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, said Azerbaijan’s position at the crossroads of Caspian, Black Sea and Central Asian corridors makes it a natural location for a connectivity hub. - Ivanov said DE-CIX looks forward to bringing its interconnection model to Baku and supporting Azerbaijan’s interconnection ecosystem. - DE-CIX operates in 60+ markets across North and South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and South, East and Southeast Asia. - DE-CIX is accessible from data centers in more than 600 cities worldwide. - DE-CIX interconnects thousands of network operators, ISPs, content providers and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries. - DE-CIX offers peering, cloud and AI connectivity, and other interconnection services. - AzerTelecom is the region’s largest international backbone operator, providing wholesale Internet transit, transmission, connectivity and related services. - NEQSOL Holding operates in 11 countries and works across energy, telecommunications, hi-tech, construction and mining. - NEQSOL Holding serves more than 25 million customers and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide.

Between the lines: - The launch positions Azerbaijan as a more important transit point for regional data flows. - DE-CIX’s entry into Western and Central Asia suggests the company sees room for new interconnection demand beyond its core markets. - The project also fits NEQSOL Holding’s push for scalable digital infrastructure and international partnerships.

What's next: - AZE-IX will be developed and rolled out as part of the new partnership. - The exchange is expected to expand interconnection opportunities for regional and international networks. - AzerTelecom and DE-CIX will aim to deepen Azerbaijan’s role in the broader global Internet Exchange ecosystem.