Rønne: Denmark's Gateway to Connectivity on Bornholm
Rønne, the largest town on the island of Bornholm, plays a modest yet meaningful role in Denmark's submarine cable network. While it hosts only two cables, Rønne's strategic position highlights the importance of connecting this remote island to the rest of the country and beyond. Bornholm, located in the Baltic Sea, is geographically separated from mainland Denmark, making submarine cables essential for its digital and economic integration.
The Cables Landing in Rønne
Two submarine cables land at Rønne, each serving distinct purposes:
1. **
Aurora**, a modern 500-kilometer cable set to be ready for service in 2024, connects Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. This cable is part of a larger chain linking 11 other landing points, including
Sassnitz in Germany and Visby in Sweden, as well as several locations within Denmark. Aurora positions Rønne as part of an international network, enabling cross-border connectivity that reaches far beyond Bornholm's shores.
2. **
Rønne-Rødvig**, a domestic cable spanning 153 kilometers, has been operational since 1989. This cable directly links Rønne to Rødvig on Zealand, Denmark's largest island. It is a critical connection for Bornholm's integration into Denmark's national infrastructure, ensuring reliable communication and data transfer with the mainland.
Regional Context and Rønne's Role
Denmark is home to 34 submarine cable landing points hosting a total of 30 cables. Rønne, with its two cables, ranks in the top 94% of landing points by cable count. While it does not rival major hubs like Blaabjerg (5 cables) or Gedser (4 cables), Rønne's importance lies in its role as Bornholm's primary link to the outside world. Other Danish landing points, such as Brondby and Helsingør, also host two cables, providing regional parity in terms of connectivity.
Aurora's international scope contrasts with Rønne-Rødvig's domestic focus, illustrating how Rønne serves both local and global needs. The Aurora cable will enhance Rønne's position by tying it into a broader Baltic network, while the older Rønne-Rødvig cable remains a dependable lifeline for communication with mainland Denmark.
Latency Insights: A Reliable Connection
GeoCables' proprietary latency measurements reveal that Rønne offers consistent and efficient connectivity. Across 33 completed checks from nine source cities, the average round-trip latency to Rønne is 112 milliseconds, with the best observed latency being an impressive 36 milliseconds. These numbers underline the reliability of the cables landing here, ensuring that Bornholm remains digitally connected despite its geographic isolation.
Bornholm's Dependence on Connectivity
Bornholm is known for its picturesque landscapes, tourism, and local industries such as agriculture and crafts. However, its remote location means that modern connectivity is essential for the island's residents and businesses. From facilitating e-commerce for local artisans to supporting remote work and education, the cables landing at Rønne are integral to Bornholm's ability to thrive in the digital age.
Looking Ahead
With the Aurora cable set to go live in 2024, Rønne is poised to strengthen its role as a key landing point in Denmark's submarine cable network. This new connection will not only enhance international links but also ensure that Bornholm remains well-integrated into both regional and global digital ecosystems. For an island that relies heavily on external connections, Rønne's submarine cables are more than just infrastructure-they are the threads that tie Bornholm to the world.