Bulgaria Underground Optical Cable

Bulgaria's underground optical cable network will connect the Kardesa submarine cable landing at Aheloy to Sofia via two independent routes, forming a key digital corridor between Europe and Asia. Overview of the ProjectBulgaria is a central participant in the Kardesa submarine cable system, a €100 million initiative led by Vodafone and NEQSOL Holding to connect Europe with the Caspian region and Asia through the Black Sea. The project is designed to provide over 500 terabits per second of capacity, 25 times higher than current regional capabilities, enhancing internet speed, reliability, and digital sovereignty.

Landing and Underground Routes

The submarine cable will come ashore near the town of Aheloy, where a landing station will be established. From Aheloy, the optical fibers will continue underground to Sofia along two independent routes using pre-existing infrastructure provided by Bulgartransgaz, the state-owned gas transmission operator. This innovative approach leverages pre-laid pipes along the Sofia–Provadia–Aheloy corridor, allowing a 24-core optical cable to be installed without major new civil works.

Key Players and Responsibilities

Novatel (part of Deutsche Telekom Group) will construct and operate Bulgaria's section, including landing stations, national and metro fiber links, and interconnection hubs. Bulgartransgaz provides the underground conduit infrastructure, ensuring secure and independent routing. Xtera, a global leader in submarine cable systems, is responsible for manufacturing and deploying the underwater segments.

The project is a public-private partnership, integrating technical execution with national regulatory and security priorities, and is expected to generate revenue for Bulgartransgaz from existing assets.

Strategic Importance

The underground optical cable in Bulgaria is part of a secure alternative route to traditional internet paths through the Red Sea, which are increasingly risky due to geopolitical tensions. By connecting the Black Sea to Sofia, Bulgaria becomes a digital gateway between Europe and Asia, supporting critical sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, and defense. The project also positions Sofia as a major distribution center (Point of Presence) on the emerging “Digital Silk Road”.

Timeline and Capacity

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion targeted by mid-2027. Once operational, the system will provide low-latency, high-capacity connectivity, enhancing Bulgaria's role in regional digital infrastructure and attracting international tech investment. In summary, Bulgaria's underground optical cable network for the Kardesa project is a strategically significant, high-capacity digital corridor, linking the Black Sea landing at Aheloy to Sofia and integrating existing infrastructure to create a secure, resilient, and commercially viable route between Europe and Asia.