GlobalConnect has officially begun working on a new subsea cable linking Sweden and Finland via Åland, part of a USD-14 million infrastructure investment expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The project is designed to enhance redundancy across the region and significantly increase capacity for data transmission amid growing demand for secure, high-capacity fiber infrastructure. That demand is being driven by rapid data center and artificial intelligence (AI) hub expansions in the Nordics.
At the same time, heightened geopolitical tensions in the Baltic Sea have underscored the critical need for resilient and redundant digital infrastructure. Several recent incidents involving subsea cable damage have highlighted vulnerabilities in existing communications routes.
Adding new routes in and out of the Nordics is not only about handling more data; it also provides vital redundancy, mitigating downtime and potential sabotage, ensuring that if one route goes down, others keep data flowing,” said Pär Jansson, SVP at GlobalConnect Carrier. “This expansion also allows the Nordics to meet the surging infrastructure demand and solidifies the Nordics’ position as a new global hotspot for data centers.
Beyond the 150-km subsea connection, GlobalConnect will also upgrade its terrestrial infrastructure, adding approximately 365 km of fiber between Helsinki, Turku, Åland, Stockholm, and Gävle. The expanded network will boost capacity to accommodate greater data traffic volumes across the region.
“These projects will also bring lasting value to local regions and municipalities,” added Jansson. “Along the cable routes, we aim to connect as much as possible—including households, hospitals, and businesses—enabling access to faster digital services, supporting local development, and creating better conditions for new business establishments.”
The new subsea system is expected to increase GlobalConnect’s capacity between Sweden and Finland by 400% once operational, reinforcing the Nordics’ position as a key hub for data and digital services.
