Arelion announced a significant investment in the Scandinavian fiber infrastructure network, intended to connect hyperscale data centers and address the region’s rapidly developing AI markets. Arelion will introduce new high-fiber count cables within existing ducts spanning from Stockholm to Oslo, and Copenhagen, further solidifying its role as part of the Nordic fiber ecosystem. This infrastructure growth will provide long-term fiber connectivity, increase network resiliency, and address growing demand for AI infrastructure. It complements Arelion’s extensive network by providing the company with direct connectivity to Europe, North America, and beyond.
Arelion currently has a mesh of terrestrial routes through Scandinavia, with multiple access to 13 subsea cables connecting the Nordics and Baltics. With this latest expansion of Scandinavian fiber infrastructure, the company is proactively modernizing its system by connecting hyperscaler data centers with newly developed last-mile infrastructure while adding new fiber capacity through existing ducts. Arelion already has an existing duct footprint between the Nordic capitals, where the additional high-fiber-count cables will be deployed between Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen.
Scandinavia is positioned as a strategic data center hub, fueled by vast land availability, renewable energy resources, and relatively stable electricity prices. Oslo’s data center market alone has a total capacity of 423 MW, while consultants estimate yearly Nordic capacity expansion of 280–580 MW. The construction industry for data centers in the region is estimated to grow to $7.38 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.47 percent. At the same time, the Scandinavian AI market is also expected to expand with an estimated CAGR of 26.24 percent to reach $19.90 billion by the year 2031. Arelion’s upgrade of the Scandinavian fiber network is scheduled for completion by 2026, with additional investments planned into 2027.
Arelion, formerly Telia International Carrier, laid the foundations of its Nordic infrastructure more than two decades ago by installing multiple ducts along the primary routes across the region. “By anticipating future demand rather than reacting to it, we built the infrastructure foundation that’s now critical for supporting the AI growth in the Scandinavian region. Installing new cables in our existing ducts will also minimize the impact on the environment compared to constructing a brand-new duct and cable system,” said Daniel Kurgan, CEO at Arelion. “This strategic upgrade is the first step in a series of ongoing investments, reflecting our long-held ambition to maximize our network assets by enhancing capacity, scalability and diversity. This allows our customers to accelerate their adoption of emerging applications by connecting to Scandinavia’s AI superhighway.”
Through this upgrade, Arelion customers gain access to the company’s globally ranked Internet backbone and an extensive portfolio of services. These include scalable IP Transit, Wavelengths, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), Cloud Connect, Global Ethernet Virtual Circuit (VC), and DDoS Mitigation solutions, all designed to support service providers, content operators, and enterprises.