It has been 10 years since the establishment of “AzInTelecom” LLC, one of the institutions contributing to the digital development of Azerbaijan. Over the past decade, “AzInTelecom” has become a reliable company in the country’s ICT sector by offering innovative solutions to both the public and private sectors.
Established in 2015 under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (MDDT), the company was restructured in 2021 after merging with the Information Computing Center. Since 2024, “AzInTelecom” has been operating under the Azerbaijan Transportation and Communication Holding (AZCON). Initially specializing in cloud services and international voice traffic, the company now operates in several strategic directions.
Cloud Technology Empowering Digital Infrastructure
One of the main areas of “AzInTelecom’s” activity is building and developing Azerbaijan’s digital infrastructure. As the country’s largest cloud provider, the company is also the executor of the Government Cloud project, established in 2019 by the Presidential Decree of Ilham Aliyev.
More than 250 institutions currently use cloud services from “AzInTelecom’s” Baku Main (2015) and Yevlakh Reserve (2022) data centers. Among them, over 130 government institutions have migrated their IT infrastructure to the centers under the Government Cloud project. The goal is to centralize government IT resources, enhance security, and optimize costs. These TIER III-certified centers ensure the secure storage and processing of information for both public and private sectors.
In 2024, a new platform called “AzInCloud” was launched to make cloud services more accessible for individuals and SMEs. The platform allows users to access services without the need for physical documents or contracts.
At the end of last year, the European Investment Bank (EIB) allocated a €43 million loan to “AzInTelecom” for the construction of two new data centers – the first public sector investment in Azerbaijan by the EIB. Construction has already begun in Absheron and Hajigabul regions using green technology.
SİMA – Next-Generation Biometric Solutions
Launched by “AzInTelecom” in 2022, SİMA is a new-generation digital signature that is considered a milestone in Azerbaijan’s digital transformation. Offered free of charge as a mobile application, SİMA Imza has been downloaded over 4 million times in three years, playing a key role in digitizing services across many sectors.
SİMA is integrated into 80 partner platforms, including Mobile Notary, E-gov, MIDA, mygov, digital.login, EMAS, Smart Customs, e-Court, and Online Tax Office. Following amendments to the Labor Code on August 12, 2024, requiring electronic employment contracts, 98% of such contracts have been signed using SİMA Imza. Moreover, 35% of logins via the “digital.login” system are now authenticated through SİMA.
Thanks to SİMA, citizens across Azerbaijan, including those in remote areas, can access many government and private services online, eliminating the need for physical presence.
The SİMA ecosystem also includes:
SİMA KYC – biometric identification
SİMA Pay – facial recognition-based payment
SİMA Access – secure access solutions
SİMA Token – an upgraded version of the original USB-based digital signature, which can be ordered online via sima.az.
A Comprehensive Approach to Cybersecurity
“AzInTelecom” has also strengthened its cybersecurity services. The company operates a 24/7 Security Operations Center and holds international certifications, including:
ISO 27001 – information security management
PCI-DSS – protection of payment card data
ISO 22301 – business continuity during incidents
Additionally, the company has passed the WebTrust audit, increasing its international trust and visibility.
Local and International Collaboration
“AzInTelecom” values collaboration with other state institutions, offering coordination and technological support. These efforts contribute to a unified digital ecosystem, improved public services, greater transparency, and increased citizen satisfaction.
Internationally, “AzInTelecom” has partnered with the reputable European cloud provider Gcore and is in talks with global tech giants such as Google and Amazon to expand its reach in cloud services.
Innovation in Electronic Services
The company is responsible for registering mobile devices imported into Azerbaijan and combating fake IMEI codes. Thousands of cloned devices have been blocked, making the mobile market more secure and transparent.
To enhance citizen experience, a Call Center operates 7 days a week, handling over 200,000 calls and inquiries annually.
For the past 10 years, “AzInTelecom” has enabled international calls through partnerships with global telecom operators. It also certifies telecommunication devices imported into Azerbaijan, ensuring citizens have access to quality electronics.
Sustainability and Strategic Goals
“AzInTelecom’s” 10-year journey and its strategic goals support Azerbaijan’s digital sovereignty and its ambitions in the international ICT market. The company aims to:
Launch new-generation data centers
Support the development of artificial intelligence
Create innovative digital products using large-scale data
With its inclusion into AZCON Holding in 2024, these efforts are expected to scale up, positioning the company as a digital communication hub for the South Caucasus and Caspian regions.
