Greenland Connect North

Overview

Greenland Connect North is a domestic submarine cable system that spans 680 kilometers along the western coast of Greenland. It connects four key towns: Aasiaat, Maniitsoq, Nuuk, and Sisimiut. This cable is a critical component of Greenland's telecommunications infrastructure, providing enhanced connectivity between these coastal communities. Greenland Connect North was officially ready for service in 2017, marking a significant step forward in improving the country's communication networks. The system is owned and operated by Tusass A/S, Greenland's national telecommunications provider.

As a domestic cable, Greenland Connect North plays a vital role in linking remote areas of the country. Greenland's rugged terrain and vast distances between settlements make terrestrial infrastructure challenging to develop, so submarine cables like this one are essential for ensuring reliable communication. The cable supports local residents, businesses, and government operations, contributing to the social and economic development of Greenland's west coast.

Route and Landings

The Greenland Connect North cable connects four landing points, all located on the western coast of Greenland. These are Aasiaat, Maniitsoq, Nuuk, and Sisimiut. Each of these towns serves as a critical hub for their respective regions, and the cable ensures they are interconnected with high-speed, reliable telecommunications services.

Aasiaat, located on the southern edge of Disko Bay, is a key regional center for fishing and tourism. Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest town, lies further south and is known for its industrial activities and vibrant local culture. Maniitsoq, situated between Sisimiut and Nuuk, serves as a smaller but strategically important community. Nuuk, Greenland's capital and largest city, is the administrative and economic heart of the country. By linking these towns, the cable facilitates communication and economic activities across Greenland's western coast, which is home to the majority of the population.

The route of the cable traverses the cold, icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. This region is characterized by challenging environmental conditions, including icebergs and extreme weather, which make the deployment and maintenance of submarine cables particularly demanding. Despite these challenges, the cable's installation has significantly improved connectivity for the communities it serves.

Ownership and History

Greenland Connect North is owned and operated by Tusass A/S, the national telecommunications provider of Greenland. Tusass A/S is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the cable, ensuring its continued functionality and reliability. The cable became ready for service in 2017, marking a major milestone in Greenland's efforts to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure.

The development of Greenland Connect North reflects a broader strategy to enhance connectivity within Greenland, complementing other submarine cable systems in the region. By focusing on domestic connectivity, the cable addresses the unique challenges of providing telecommunications services in a country with a small, widely dispersed population and harsh environmental conditions. Greenland Connect North is a testament to the importance of submarine cables in overcoming these challenges and supporting the development of remote communities.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring indicates that Greenland Connect North has significantly improved connectivity between the four landing points it serves. The cable's performance has been consistent with its design specifications, providing reliable high-speed communication links to the connected towns. This has had a positive impact on local communities, supporting activities such as education, healthcare, and commerce.

Additionally, our probes reveal that the cable has been resilient to the harsh environmental conditions of the North Atlantic. Despite the presence of icebergs and extreme weather, the system has maintained a high level of operational reliability. This demonstrates the robustness of the cable's design and the effectiveness of its management by Tusass A/S. Overall, Greenland Connect North has proven to be a vital asset for Greenland's telecommunications infrastructure, enabling better connectivity and fostering development in the region.