Tashkent is undergoing a major fiber optic cable installation project covering 333 km, including OPGW, UGFOC, and OFAC cables, as part of the World Bank-financed ESTART initiative.

Project Overview

The Electricity Sector Transformation and Resilient Transmission (ESTART) Project in Uzbekistan includes the design, procurement, and installation of fiber optic cables in Tashkent city and the surrounding region. The total planned length of the fiber optic network is 333 km, incorporating three main types of cables: OPGW (Optical Ground Wire), UGFOC (Underground Fiber Optic Cable), and OFAC (Optical Fiber Approach Cable). This project is financed in part by the World Bank and managed by the JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU) .

Technical and Installation Details

The fiber optic installation involves several key steps:

• Route preparation and site inspection to determine optimal cable paths and closure points.
• Cable installation along trays, conduits, facades, or ducts while maintaining proper bend radius and protection.
• Splicing and termination using closures and ODF/cross panels, with labeling and documentation for each fiber.
• Testing and measurement using OTDR and optical testers to ensure low attenuation and high-quality connections.
• Integration with IP telephony, VoIP PBX systems, and other communication infrastructure for offices, industrial facilities, and warehouses . The project emphasizes redundancy and ring topologies to improve network reliability and reduce outage risks. Installation is performed by experienced teams with expertise in industrial and commercial fiber optic networks.

Procurement and Contractor Requirements

Eligible contractors must demonstrate:

• General experience in construction contracts over the last five years.
• Specific experience with at least one power sector project valued at $3 million or more and successful completion of 200 km of OPGW installation in similar energy systems.
• Financial stability, including profitability and a minimum average annual turnover of $3.8 million over the last three years .

Local Suppliers and Equipment

Several local companies provide fiber optic cables and related equipment in Tashkent:

• Lider Team supplies active and passive telecommunications equipment, including fiber optic cables, patch cords, switches, and media converters, with certified quality and multi-year warranties .
• EQB offers high-quality fiber optic and data cables suitable for industrial and specialized applications, including armored and heat-resistant options .

Summary

The Tashkent fiber optic project is a strategic infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing communication and power transmission networks. It combines modern cable technologies, professional installation practices, and international financing to ensure a reliable, high-speed, and resilient fiber optic network across the city and surrounding areas. This project not only strengthens the electricity sector but also supports broader digital connectivity initiatives in Uzbekistan.