The submarine cable C-Lion1, which directly connects Finland to Germany and the rest of continental Europe, has experienced a failure that has completely disrupted telecommunications through this key infrastructure. The Finnish company Cinia, the majority owner of the cable and specialized in fiber optic networks, confirmed the incident on November 18, 2024.
The head of communications at the National Cyber Security Center of Finland (Traficom), Samuli Bergström, also confirmed the break to the public broadcaster Yle and explained that the causes are still under investigation. “Disruptions occur from time to time and can be due to various reasons. For example, they can be susceptible to weather conditions and damage caused by maritime transport. The essential thing is to identify the problems and take corrective measures,” Bergström stated.
The C-Lion1: a Strategic Infrastructure
The cable C-Lion1, inaugurated in January 2016, is 1,173 kilometers long and connects the cities of Hanko and Helsinki (Finland) with Rostock (Germany). It is the first telecommunications cable to connect Finland directly with Central Europe, avoiding passage through Sweden and Denmark, which significantly reduces latency in connections.
This system is designed with 8 pairs of fiber optics and a design capacity of 120 terabits per second (Tbit/s), which currently reaches 144 Tbit/s, a figure that reflects its relevance for high-speed data traffic in the region.
Impact of the Failure and Next Steps
The interruption of telecommunications has raised concerns in the sector, as the C-Lion1 not only transports data between Finland and Germany, but is also crucial for the flow of information to the rest of continental Europe.
At the moment, Cinia has communicated that investigations are being carried out to determine the origin of the failure. Possible causes being considered include weather conditions or damage resulting from maritime activity in the area.
A Vital Link for Security and the Economy
The C-Lion1 is considered a strategic infrastructure for both national security and the economy of Finland. This submarine cable ensures high-capacity international connectivity and supports key sectors such as trade, technology, and communications.
While interruptions in submarine cables are not uncommon, their repair requires thorough analysis and complex technical intervention, which may include the mobilization of specialized ships and highly qualified technical personnel.
Cinia has assured that they are actively working to restore services as quickly as possible, minimizing the impact of this failure on international communications. In the meantime, the affected data traffic is being rerouted through alternative routes.
A Technological Precedent
Since its launch, the C-Lion1 has been a key piece in Finland’s strategy to position itself as a connectivity hub in Northern Europe. This cable not only enhances data transmission capacity but also reinforces the resilience of networks against disruptions in traditional routes.
The current failure highlights the importance of continuing to invest in the maintenance and upgrading of these infrastructures, essential to guarantee the continuity of data traffic in an increasingly digital world.
While work is underway for repairs, the tech community and political actors will remain attentive to the outcome of this incident, aware that connectivity is a fundamental pillar for the security and economic development of the region.
Source: Cinia