1. Home
  2. Solutions
  3. Fibre connectivity
  4. Svalbard fibre

Fibre connectivity

Svalbard fibre

Securing infrastructure, empowering communities

Space Norway has conquered space, extending from the depths of the Norwegian Sea with subsea fibre cables, to the heights of HEO with the ASBM satellites.

In 2003, we established critical connectivity by laying 1,400 km of dual fiberoptic cables, linking mainland Norway with the Svalbard archipelago. These subsea cables have been essential in providing continuous high-speed internet access to the residents of Longyearbyen, sustaining modern life on the island, and safeguarding national infrastructure. They support connectivity for scientific research, space-related activities, and governmental operations.

Connectivity is crucial for sustaining the diverse communities on Svalbard. By providing this infrastructure, Space Norway supports the vibrant life on the archipelago, keeping it connected with the rest of Norway and beyond.

We provide wholesale transmission capacity to a select group of operators, who, in turn, deliver services to end-users. Our end customers consist of a diverse range of public and commercial enterprises, and the community in Svalbard.

 

View our brochures to learn more about our services!
satellite connectivity across sectors in Svalbard
Strategic satellite downlinks

The fiber connection has been of significant strategic value for the growth and development of Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT). SvalSat, a part of KSAT, is now the world’s largest ground station for downloading data from satellites in polar orbits.

Information downloaded at SvalSat and distributed via the fiber connection is crucial for various purposes, such as weather forecasting, ship traffic surveillance, environmental monitoring, Arctic ice mapping, and communication during critical phases of rocket launches.

This connection is also vital for KSAT’s contribution to Galileo, Europe’s satellite-based navigation system.

Projects for civil and defence sectors
Expanding Arctic connectivity

Today, the fiber connection is a critical resource for Svalbard’s society, enabling digital communication services for residents, businesses, and government operations. It is a vital component of Norway’s national security infrastructure and is essential for the island’s community.

With a technical service life of 25 years, the Svalbard fiber cables have been operational for 21 years, boasting an excellent track record with minimal service interruptions. The current service is guaranteed until 2028. As part of a project currently under development, Space Norway is eager to establish a new fiber cable solution to ensure the continuation of essential services to Svalbard and extend connectivity to the strategic location of Jan Mayen.

In this joint project, we will secure reliable, high-speed connectivity, supporting the ongoing needs of the local residents, scientific research, and government operations on the archipelago.

 

Find out more about the new project
Connecting the Arctic with Svalbard fibre solution