European law firm Fieldfisher’s Telecommunications Group has advised long standing client Space Norway on its Subsea Cable Agreement for the world’s northernmost subsea cable system, the new Arctic Way communications cable.
Space Norway has signed a contract with SubCom for the full system supply of the Arctic Way Cable System, including survey, design, manufacturing, and installation. Scheduled to commence service in 2028, this new system will become a critical asset for transmitting data traffic between the mainland, Jan Mayen, and Svalbard.
As part of its key role for Norway’s communications networks, Space Norway owns, develops and manages critical space infrastructure and subsea cable systems. The 2350 Km Arctic Way cable will run entirely within the Arctic Circle, between 67 and 78 degrees North.
Alongside the new fibre links, Space Norway will continue to use the two existing cables to Svalbard as long as they remain functional, as a backup for Arctic Way.
The Fieldfisher team was led by partner John Worthy, supported by partner Chris Eastham.
John Worthy comments: “The Arctic Way cable network will deliver vital communications links from the Norwegian mainland to the islands of Svalbard and Jan Mayen over the coming decades. Establishing this new cable system is essential to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for the Arctic community and to support Norway’s strategic interests. We are delighted to have supported this strategically important project, building on our long heritage of subsea cable programmes and other international telecommunications infrastructure.”
