Beginning at Green Mountain’s data centre, the new system connects the west coast of Norway with Newcastle, UK and significantly increase data capacity between the two points as well as the rest of the world.
“It is a great achievement to have reached this key milestone, which is the result of a significant effort by all parties engaged in this critical project,” said Geir Ims, chairman of NO-UK AS.
“With the rapidly increasing demand for data worldwide, never has it been more pressing to develop our links with other countries. NO-UK will complement Altibox’s existing architecture and strengthen Norway’s connections globally.”
Work is due to complete by the end of the summer with the cable coming into full operation by the fourth quarter of 2021.
The NO-UK project is being developed by Green Mountain, Lyse, Haugaland Kraft, BKK, Hatteland Group and Ryfylke IKS. Together with the county mayor, representatives from all six companies were present at Rennesøy to mark the launch event where the vessel Normand Clipper started the installation work.
“This cable project further strengthens Green Mountain’s position as the connectivity hub in the Southwestern part of Norway. We are now able to reach 54% of all businesses in Europe with sub 20ms latency,” said Tor Kristian Gyland, CEO of Green Mountain.
“Several international connectivity providers have already signed agreements and will be utilizing this new submarine cable as a new connectivity highway between Norway and the UK. With improved resilience and reduced latency, the Stavanger region now offers a realistic alternative to the data centre cluster in London,
NO-UK forms part of a wider network of existing subsea e and terrestrial cables operated by Altibox Carrier. The project also benefits from Norway’s renewable energy, low electricity prices and stable framework conditions.