Latvia-Sweden 1 (LV-SE 1): Baltic submarine cable
The Latvia-Sweden 1 (LV-SE 1) submarine cable connects
Nynashamn in Sweden to
Ventspils in Latvia, spanning a distance of 304 km across the Baltic Sea. Operational since 1994 according to GeoCables records, this cable is jointly owned by Tele2 and Tet, two prominent telecommunications operators in the region. It is listed as active and in service, facilitating data transmission between Sweden and Latvia.
This cable is notable for its relatively early deployment in the Baltic Sea, a region that has seen increasing interconnectivity in the decades since. However, several technical details about LV-SE 1 remain undisclosed in public sources, including its design capacity, fiber pair count, supplier, and specific technological specifications. These gaps in publicly available data make it difficult to fully assess its current performance and role in regional connectivity.
Quick facts
| Name | Latvia-Sweden 1 (LV-SE 1) |
| Length | 304 km |
| Ready for service | 1994 (GeoCables database value; conflicting industry sources not identified) |
| Owners | Tele2, Tet |
| Status | In service |
| Design capacity | Not disclosed |
| Fiber pairs | Not disclosed |
| Supplier | Not disclosed |
| Technology | Not disclosed |
| Landing points | Nynashamn (Sweden), Ventspils (Latvia) |
Route
The LV-SE 1 cable connects Nynashamn, a coastal town south of Stockholm, Sweden, to Ventspils, a port city on the western coast of Latvia. This direct route across the Baltic Sea spans 304 km and provides a critical link between the two countries. Nynashamn is a strategic landing point for several submarine cables due to its proximity to Stockholm, Sweden's capital and a major hub for telecommunications. Ventspils, similarly, serves as a key landing site on Latvia's coast and hosts another cable,
Sweden-Latvia, reinforcing its role in Baltic connectivity.
Why it was built and what it carries
The Latvia-Sweden 1 cable was likely constructed to enhance direct connectivity between Sweden and Latvia, supporting increased demand for international telecommunications and data exchange in the early 1990s. At the time, the Baltic region was undergoing significant economic and technological development following the end of the Cold War, and improved infrastructure was essential for integration into global networks.
Although specific details about LV-SE 1's traffic are not publicly disclosed, it most likely carries a mix of internet, voice, and data services, serving both consumer and enterprise needs. Its role in the regional network has likely evolved over time, with newer cables complementing or partially superseding its capacity.
History: what can be established
GeoCables records indicate that the LV-SE 1 cable was ready for service in 1994. This date aligns with broader trends in the development of submarine cables in the Baltic Sea during the early 1990s. However, no conflicting industry sources suggesting a different year have been identified, leaving the 1994 date uncontested.
The cable's ownership by Tele2 and Tet reflects the involvement of major telecommunications operators in maintaining and operating regional infrastructure. Both companies have played significant roles in the development of connectivity in Northern Europe.
Capacity and technology
Publicly available sources do not disclose the design capacity, fiber pair count, supplier, or specific technology used in the LV-SE 1 cable. Without operator documentation, attributing these details would be speculative. Given its deployment in 1994, it is reasonable to assume that the cable's original capacity and technology were suited to the demands of the time but may now be considered modest compared to more modern systems.
Latency: the physics
The theoretical one-way light propagation time across the 304 km wet segment of LV-SE 1 is approximately 1.5 ms, with a round-trip time (RTT) floor of 3.0 ms. However, real-world latency measurements conducted via remote probes reveal significantly higher values:
- Nynashamn -> Ventspils: min 14.9 ms, avg 20.6 ms (75 checks)
- Ventspils -> Nynashamn: min 30.7 ms, avg 35.2 ms (20 checks)
These measurements reflect the full internet path, including terrestrial network segments, terminal equipment delays, and routing inefficiencies. The discrepancy between theoretical and measured latency underscores the complexity of end-to-end connectivity beyond the submarine cable itself.
Redundancy: what happens if it breaks
In the event of a failure, the Sweden-Latvia cable at Ventspils provides an alternative route for connectivity between the two countries. Repairs to submarine cables typically involve specialized vessels and equipment, with downtime depending on factors such as the nature of the fault, weather conditions, and the availability of repair resources. As a relatively short cable in a region with multiple routes, LV-SE 1 is likely to benefit from relatively swift restoration compared to longer or more isolated systems.
Bottom line
- LV-SE 1 spans 304 km across the Baltic Sea, connecting Nynashamn (Sweden) to Ventspils (Latvia).
- Operational since 1994, owned by Tele2 and Tet, and listed as in service.
- Several technical details, including design capacity and fiber pairs, are not publicly disclosed.
- Theoretical RTT floor over the wet segment is 3.0 ms; real-world latency measurements are significantly higher.
- Redundancy is supported by the Sweden-Latvia cable at Ventspils.