Economy

Fingrid to disconnect Finland-Russia fiber optic cable at turn of the year

Finland’s electricity transmission system operator Fingrid will disconnect the fiber optic connection running between Finland and Russia at the turn of the year, multiple sources confirm. The decision follows the expiration of a lease agreement for the cable, which was previously used alongside a power line between the two countries.

Fingrid’s communications confirmed to Iltalehti that the fiber optic link was part of a now-severed electricity transmission line. While the company did not disclose which operator had leased the connection or its specific use, it stated that the cable would no longer serve a purpose once the agreement ends. The exact disconnection date has not been specified, though Helsingin Sanomat reports the change will take effect around the new year.

The move is not expected to have a significant impact on consumers, though telecommunications between Finland and Russia may experience minor slowdowns (Helsingin Sanomat). Fingrid has clarified that only one cable is involved, despite earlier reports in Russian newspaper Kommersant referring to multiple cables.

Background and broader implications

The fiber optic connection was originally part of a power transmission infrastructure that facilitated electricity trade between Finland and Russia until 2022, when imports were halted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The physical power line was subsequently severed, leaving the fiber optic link as the sole remaining component.

According to Kommersant, the disconnection will reduce data communication routes from Russia to the rest of Europe, which currently pass through Belarus, the Baltic countries, and Baltic Sea cables. The newspaper’s sources indicate that Russian operators are negotiating alternative data transmission routes with Finnish companies.

Fiber optic technology, as explained by Telia, enables high-speed, reliable data transmission via light through glass fibers, making it the most advanced method for digital communication. The Finnish state holds a majority stake in Fingrid.

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