GlobalConnect, a leading Swedish fibre-based broadband operator, has joined a consortium of five Nordic organizations to develop Polar Connect, an ambitious project to build a new fibre optic cable linking Northern Europe, East Asia, and the United States via the Arctic.
This groundbreaking project, funded by a 4 million Euro grant from the European Commission, aims to establish a more secure and efficient data communication route between continents. Currently, 90% of data traffic between Europe and Asia traverses the Red Sea, a route increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical challenges.
Polar Connect seeks to address this vulnerability by offering a significantly shorter and more secure route through the Arctic. This new cable will not only decrease data transmission times and latency but also enhance the resilience of global communication networks.
“We are thrilled to be part of this pioneering project,” said Pär Jansson, SVP, GlobalConnect Carrier. “At GlobalConnect, we are committed to developing and maintaining cutting-edge digital infrastructure. This project aligns perfectly with our vision of a future-proofed digital landscape for Northern Europe and beyond.”
GlobalConnect, with its expertise in deploying and maintaining submarine cables, recently completed a 2600 km fibre cable from Northern Sweden to Berlin, demonstrating its capabilities in building and operating large-scale telecommunications infrastructure.
The Polar Connect project will commence in 2025 with initial phases focusing on seabed surveys and route optimization. The project will leverage the expertise of renowned institutions such as Vetenskapsrådet, NORDUnet, Polarforskningssekretariatet, and Danmarks Tekniske Universitet.
The Swedish government plans to construct a new icebreaker specifically designed for this project, capable of navigating through four-meter-thick Arctic ice. This new vessel, along with the existing Swedish icebreaker Oden, will play a crucial role in the cable’s deployment.
The ambitious project is expected to be completed by 2030, offering a vital new communication pathway for the digital age.
