GÉANT, the European collaboration of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), has signed a landmark 15-year agreement with digital infrastructure provider, EXA Infrastructure, to significantly expand dedicated transatlantic connectivity for research and education (R&E) between Europe and North America.
Secured under the GN5-IC1 program, which drives GÉANT’s intercontinental connectivity initiatives, the new indefeasible right of use (IRU) contract will provide GÉANT with dedicated high-speed capacity through advanced spectrum solutions on two fully diverse transatlantic cable systems.
The new routes are slated to go live in autumn 2025.
North America accounts for over 75% of intercontinental traffic to, and from, GÉANT’s pan-European network, underscoring the critical need for enhanced capacity. This major investment addresses growing demand, enabling long-term data exchange at terabit-scale speeds and ensuring European ownership and control of vital infrastructure, a key component in strengthening Europe’s digital and strategic autonomy.
GÉANT CEO, Lise Fuhr, stated, “This strategic investment, planned in coordination with our community and with our global partners, will ultimately fortify the global research and education networking infrastructure and strengthen European sovereignty and competitiveness by supporting global scientific advancements for the next 15 years.”
Beyond boosting capacity, the agreement will also enhance the resilience of the global R&E network.
The two new transatlantic routes will contribute to backup mechanisms under the ANA Collaboration framework, safeguarding continuity of services amid potential disruptions.
This milestone builds on GÉANT’s recent GN5-IC1 achievements, including new connectivity towards the Asia-Pacific region. With this transatlantic expansion, GÉANT continues to secure the global backbone necessary to support scientific progress and international collaboration.
EXA Infrastructure CEO, Jim Fagan, added, “We are proud of the trust GÉANT places in our ability to deliver the right solutions, precisely when they are needed. Since 2012, GÉANT has relied on EXA Infrastructure for a key part of its network. That trust has now been further strengthened through this new agreement.”
By acquiring flexible spectrum, rather than fixed capacity, GÉANT ensures future-proof scalability while maintaining cost efficiency. The move aligns with its long-term strategy to support evolving global R&E needs, helping pave the way for the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow.
