Azerbaijan, located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, presents unique challenges in its technology landscape. The terrain ranges from the flat, arid Kur-Araz Lowland to the towering, rugged peaks of the Greater Caucasus mountains. These geographical disparities, coupled with uneven population distribution, add complexity to telecommunications infrastructure. Most of the population is concentrated in the capital, Baku, and major cities. Despite these challenges, Azerbaijan has made considerable strides in telecommunications, with widespread mobile and internet penetration. For instance, the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM) project, a cross-border fibre-optic network, aims to link the major information hubs of Europe and Asia, strengthening Azerbaijan's digital connectivity. Despite a challenging landscape, Azerbaijan's technology sector demonstrates resilience and innovation.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 5 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Azercell is a leading telecommunications company based in Baku, Azerbaijan. Founded in January 1996 through a private-public partnership between Turkcell and Ministry of Communications of Azerbaijan Republic. Azercell remained a subsidiary of Telia Company until March 2018 when an agreement was struck between Fintur Holdings and Turkcell to divest its 51.3% holding in Azertel to Azintelecom, an enterprise wholly owned by the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Bakcell LLC is a mobile telecommunications company founded in March 1994 through a private-public partnership between GITB and Ministry of Communications of Azerbaijan Republic. Headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan, the company was the first mobile network to operate in Azerbaijan. It is a subsidiary of NEQSOL Holding, a multinational conglomerate with diverse investments across various sectors.
Nar is the commercial brand of Azerfon, a mobile telecommunications company based in Baku, Azerbaijan. Established in March 2007, Azerfon has been operating under the Nar brand, providing a range of telecommunication services within the country. The company is privately owned, with its majority stake held by international investors.
Naxtel is a telecommunications network operator based in Azerbaijan. The company was established in 2005 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic's Ministry of Communications and High Technologies. Currently, the entire Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is covered by 118 base stations.
Sazz AzQtel, operating under the trade name AzQTel, is a telecommunications company based in Azerbaijan. The company was established in 2005, marking its entry into the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector of the country. The ownership structure of AzQTel is a joint venture, with stakes held by a diverse group of investors and Transkaspian Telecom LLC, a prominent telecommunications firm headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan.