Syria Optical Cable Project Tender

The Syria SilkLink project, a $800 million national fiber-optic network, has been awarded to Saudi telecom stc Group to build a 4,500 km optical cable network with data centers and subsea cable landing stations.

Project Overview

The Silk

Link project is a major Syrian government initiative aimed at establishing a 4,500 km fiber-optic network across Syria, connecting the country regionally and internationally through terrestrial and subsea links. The project includes the construction of data centers and international subsea cable landing stations, enhancing Syria's digital infrastructure and internet quality while supporting advanced services such as cloud computing, IoT, and high-speed data transmission.

Tender and Contract

The tender for the SilkLink project was part of a public-private partnership valued at approximately $400–$800 million, depending on the source and project scope. After a competitive bidding process, stc Group secured the contract, positioning the company to expand its cross-border digital infrastructure investments and regional connectivity strategy linking Arab, Asian, and European markets. Other regional telecom companies, including Zain, Etisalat, and Ooredoo, had submitted bids during the evaluation phase.

Strategic Importance

The project is designed to bypass the congested Red Sea route, which carries a significant portion of Europe-Asia internet traffic, providing a shorter, more reliable terrestrial corridor. This reduces latency by 30–40 milliseconds and mitigates risks associated with submarine cable vulnerabilities. The network will strengthen Syria's telecommunications backbone and enable faster, more reliable internet services for both domestic and regional users.

Timeline and Implementation

The network is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete, with the infrastructure supporting high-capacity data transmission and regional connectivity. The project aligns with Syria's broader strategy to modernize its digital infrastructure and integrate into regional and international telecom networks.

How to Access Tender Information

For companies interested in future tenders or related projects in Syria, platforms like TendersOnTime, GlobalTenders, and SyriaTenders provide searchable databases of government tenders, RFPs, and eProcurement notices, including eligibility criteria, bid submission guidelines, and updates on active tenders. These portals allow potential bidders to register, download tender documents, and receive alerts for new opportunities.