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Subsea

Fibreoptic cables

From satellite links to subsea fibre cables

Extending the fibreoptic link from the Norwegian mainland to Longyearbyen in Svalbard.

Space Norway owns and operates subsea fibre cable connection which serves as the primary link for the residents, businesses, and governing authorities on the archipelago. Consequently, it is crucial for the sustainable operation and further development of this geographically remote community.

This fibre connection is a vital component of Norway’s space infrastructure, playing a significant role in fulfilling Norway’s international obligations. The fibre cables system is designed with redundancy, featuring two separate cables, and stands as the world’s northernmost high-speed connection.

According to the Svalbard Report 2024, “The fibre cable connection is critical infrastructure and provides equally good e-commerce services as on the mainland through the virtually unlimited capacity of the cables.”

The subsea cable network is particularly essential for the downlink operations at Kongsberg Satellite Station in Longyearbyen, also known as Svalbard Satellite Station (SvalSat).

Find out more about our fibre cables

Critical infrastructure

In 2024, the Svalbard Report, highlighted the importance of these cables: “Svalbard and the mainland are connected through two subsea fibre cables. The fibre cable connection is critical infrastructure and provides equally good e-commerce services as on the mainland through the virtually unlimited capacity of the cables.

The cables are owned and operated by Space Norway. Various business operators and public entities, including the Svalbard Satellite Station (SvalSat) and Avinor for traffic management at Svalbard Airport, utilise the fibre cable connection for their communication needs.

Operational since 2004, the fibre cable between Svalbard and the mainland has an estimated technical lifespan until the end of 2028. While there is a possibility of extended operation beyond 2028, it cannot be guaranteed.

 

fibreoptic subsea cables

The history of the cables

Svalbard’s geographical location is ideal for downloading data from satellites in polar orbits. Initially, satellite data from SvalSat was transmitted to customers via a geostationary satellite. However, the limited capacity for data transmission via satellite was a significant limiting factor. Around 2001, it became clear that SvalSat’s future development was entirely dependent on the efficient transfer of large volumes of data to the mainland.

At that time, SvalSat was part of Norsk Romsenter Eiendom (later renamed Space Norway), a company owned by the Norwegian Space Agency (NSA). The NSA believed that a subsea fibre cable would be essential for the future development of SvalSat’s activities. With Space Norway heading the project, the NSA succeeded in this mission.

Construction was completed in 2003, with Tyco Communications (now SubCom) as the contractor, and the fibreoptic cable connection became operational in January 2004.

Space Norway partnerships

Quick facts about our fibreoptic cables

  • Number of cables: 2
  • Length: approximately 1400 km
  • Fibre size: 2-3 centimetres thick (including integrated power supply)
  • Armouring: steel wires
  • Outer coating: nylon yarn impregnated with tar
  • Number of fibre pairs: 8
  • Estimated lifespan: until the end of 2028
  • Support agreement: Alcatel Submarine Networks provides access to a repair ship with short mobilisation time
  • Security upgrades: significant security upgrades implemented during 2018-2024
  • Damage: one cable suffered damage in January 2022, but there was no loss of service
  • Repair: the damaged cable was fully repaired in June 2023
  • Svalbard Museum: exhibits a part of the Svalbard cable that was damaged in 2023