Cinia Oy and Partners Collaborate on Pan-Arctic Cable System
A consortium of leading telecommunications companies, including Cinia Oy, NORDUnet A/S, Tusass A/S, the Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition, GlobalConnect AB, and Tampnet A/S, has recently signed a European Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the development of a Pan-Arctic Cable System (PACS). This strategic initiative aims to enhance global digital connectivity infrastructure by establishing a direct submarine cable route east of Greenland, close to the North Pole, to connect Europe, North America, and Japan.
The MoU highlights the partners’ shared commitment to collaborating on the long-term strategy for realizing the PACS project, which will significantly improve connectivity and communication between continents. NORDUnet is spearheading the formation of a Europe-based alliance to oversee the construction of the cable system and secure a portion of the fiber capacity for European research and education purposes.
According to Valter Nordh, CEO of NORDUnet, the current data traffic between Europe and Asia predominantly relies on routes through the US or the Suez Canal, both of which have limitations in terms of efficiency and stability. By establishing the Polar Connect subsea cable, the consortium aims to create a more direct and secure pathway for data transmission, reducing the reliance on existing longer routes.
The proposed PACS project is expected to be fully operational by the early 2030s, with some segments planned to be operational sooner. The route through the Arctic offers the shortest path between Asia and Europe, presenting a more efficient and reliable option for data transmission. This initiative aligns with the changing global geopolitical landscape, where direct connections between continents are becoming increasingly important.
NORDUnet’s Ieva Muraškienė emphasized the significance of the PACS project in enhancing the resilience and security of the global internet infrastructure, particularly for Europe and the Nordic countries. The consortium has secured funding from the EU Commission for a three-year project to conduct seabed surveys in the Arctic region, laying the groundwork for the implementation of the Polar Connect route.
Stockholm University is currently involved in virtual seabed simulations to assess the conditions for the Polar Connect route, a crucial step in determining the final pathway of the cable system. The PACS project represents a major advancement in global connectivity, offering a more efficient and secure communication channel for data exchange between Europe and Asia.