Phase 1 of the EU-funded Nordic Wave project, led by GlobalConnect, is now complete. This initiative enhances digital infrastructure in the Nordics by upgrading existing fiber networks.
The first phase, covering the stretch from Stockholm to Luleå, now provides up to 27 terabits per second of capacity by utilizing the existing fiber backbone. To put this into perspective, 27 terabits per second is equivalent to supporting millions of simultaneous high-definition video calls without lag. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening the region’s connectivity. The investment for this phase amounts to €650,000, co-funded by the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
"By utilizing our existing fiber infrastructure, we are making a major digital upgrade without disrupting the environment or communities with new excavation work," says Pär Jansson Senior Vice President GlobalConnect. "This improved connectivity benefits businesses, municipalities, and the public sector while also supporting bilateral defense efforts in the region."
What is Nordic wave?
Nordic Wave is a project designed to create a robust and high-capacity data network from Northern Sweden to Germany and Norway, integrating with GlobalConnect’s wider network. The project supports the region’s growing role as a hub for green energy, advanced industries, and critical resources.
Nordic Wave is upgrading its network using DWDM technology (Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing). This allows us to increase capacity on existing fiber lines by transmitting multiple data signals on different light wavelengths simultaneously, boosting speeds up to 400 Gbps—without service interruptions. To put that into perspective: 400 Gbps is fast enough to stream over 100,000 ultra-HD (4K) movies at the same time or transfer an entire laptop’s data in under a second.
The project is divided into three phases: Stockholm to Luleå (completed), Luleå to Narvik, and Sundsvall to Trondheim. The entire project is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
