Cinia, Far North Digital plan pan-Arctic submarine cable from Japan to Europe via Northwest Passage
Finnish network operator Cinia and North American telecom infrastructure development firm Far North Digital say they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for construction of a submarine cable that will connect Japan with Europe via the Northwest Passage. Landings will occur in Japan, Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, Norway, Finland, and Ireland.
The 14,000-km submarine cable will cost 1 billion euros ($1.15 billion) to build. Alcatel Submarine Networks will act as lead engineering, procurement, construction partner for the project. Cinia and Far North Digital expect the submarine network to be ready for service by the end of the 2025.
In Canada, True North Global Networks LP, a Canadian affiliate of Far North Digital, plans to develop branch landings in collaboration with indigenous organizations and local governments. The landings will connect with locally owned community-based digital networks to offer backbone services for high-speed broadband communications.
“This cable system is more than a way to speed and improve the security of telecommunications between nations, it is a bridge over the digital divide, providing Northern communities with better opportunities for sustainable self-determination through economic development, enhanced educational options, and improved access to healthcare. Furthermore, it will serve as a platform that offers science an unparalleled ability to conduct research into climate change,” said Guy Houser, CTO of Far North Digital.
"The Arctic connection between Japan and northern Europe has long been a shared passion of Japan and Cinia, as the diversity of international connections is vital to Japan,” added Jun Murai, a professor at Keio University and special adviser to the Japanese Cabinet. “Prime Minister Kishida has announced a new digital vision including a plan to build new landing points around the island country. My long-term plan about Hokkaido being a natural gateway to North and East is becoming reality. I’m very excited to be part of the Far North Fiber initiative.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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