Polar Connect is a proposed subsea cable on a direct route east of Greenland, close to the geographical North Pole, aiming to connect Europe, North America and Japan on the shortest possible route. The Polar Connect Initiative is acting as a catalyst to form a Europe-based alliance to build the cable system and secure 10 % of the capacity of the fiber for European research and education.
Polar Connect is a proposed subsea cable on a direct route east of Greenland, close to the geographical North Pole, aiming to connect Europe, North America and Japan on the shortest possible route. The Polar Connect Initiative is acting as a catalyst to form a Europe-based alliance to build the cable system and secure 10 % of the capacity of the fiber for European research and education.
Polar Connect is a collaboration of government owned entities NORDUnet; Sunet (Sweden), CSC (Finland), Sikt (Norway), DeiC (Denmark), RHnet (Iceland) and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, backed by funding and support from the Swedish Government through the Swedish Research Council (VR) and the European Union through CEF Digital. The initiative is progressed through a series of projects funded by direct state budget investment and strategic grants from European Union, focusing on the design, planning, and feasibility of this resilient and future-proof digital corridor.
The Arctic’s strategic position makes it the optimal route for a resilient and secure digital infrastructure, strengthening global connectivity between Europe, North America, and Asia. The Polar Connect submarine cable project enhances Europe’s digital sovereignty, reducing reliance on traditional routes that pass through politically sensitive areas. By providing low-latency, high-capacity data transmission, the initiative aligns with EU and Nordic ambitions to lead in secure, high-speed digital communications, ensuring a stable and future-proof network for businesses and governments alike.
Polar Connect will fuel economic growth by attracting investments, creating new technology hubs, and strengthening regional innovation ecosystems. The project supports data centers in the Nordics, leveraging abundant renewable energy to power the next generation of AI-driven industries, cloud services, and digital trade. With a faster, more secure data route, businesses gain a competitive edge, boosting productivity, research collaborations, and financial market efficiency. This Arctic infrastructure investment lays the foundation for a thriving digital economy that benefits both the private sector and national economies.
The Arctic is one of the most climate-sensitive regions on Earth, and Polar Connect integrates cutting-edge environmental sensors within its submarine cable network. These sensors provide real-time climate data, monitoring ocean temperatures, seismic activity, and ecosystem changes. By facilitating global climate research, the project supports sustainable development while helping policymakers and scientists make data-driven decisions on Arctic preservation. This fusion of technology and environmental responsibility showcases Polar Connect’s commitment to safeguarding the planet while advancing digital connectivity.
