Submarine Cable C-Lion1 Disruption Affects Finland’s International Communications
Telecommunications services using the “C-Lion1” underwater cable have been interrupted, confirmed by the Finnish state-owned company “Cinia,” which builds optical fiber networks and provides telecom services.
Samuli Bergström, the communications manager from Finland’s National Cybersecurity Centre “Traficom,” stated that an investigation into the cable damage has started. He explained that disruptions to cable operations can occur for various reasons, including weather conditions or shipping activities.
A representative from “Traficom” confirmed that the damage has affected Finland’s international communication connections. However, he mentioned that Finland has multiple data connection options, so residents may not notice the disruption in their daily lives.
“Cinia” reported that the damage was detected on Monday morning. The cause of the damage has not yet been identified.
The 1,173-kilometer cable connects Santahamina Island in Finland to Rostock in Germany. Completed in 2016, it is Finland’s only underwater cable that connects directly to Central Europe.
How does Finland ensure the security of its telecommunications infrastructure against such incidents?
Interview with Samuli Bergström, Communications Manager at Finland’s National Cybersecurity Centre “Traficom”
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Samuli. Can you provide us with the latest information regarding the disruption to the “C-Lion1” underwater cable?
Samuli Bergström: Thank you for having me. Currently, we are aware that telecommunications services using the “C-Lion1” cable have been interrupted. The damage was detected by Cinia on Monday morning, and we have initiated an investigation to determine the cause.
News Directory 3: What could have caused this damage?
Samuli Bergström: Disruptions to underwater cables can happen for a variety of reasons. Weather conditions, natural phenomena, and human activities such as shipping operations are common factors. At this point, we haven’t identified the specific cause of the damage to the “C-Lion1” cable.
News Directory 3: How has this impacted Finland’s communication infrastructure?
Samuli Bergström: The damage has indeed affected Finland’s international communication connections. However, I want to emphasize that Finland has a robust network with multiple data connection options. Most residents likely won’t notice any disruption in their daily lives, as alternative routes are available for data transmission.
News Directory 3: Can you explain the significance of the “C-Lion1” cable for Finland?
Samuli Bergström: The “C-Lion1” cable is crucial for Finland as it connects Santahamina Island to Rostock in Germany, covering a distance of 1,173 kilometers. It is Finland’s only direct underwater connection to Central Europe, completed in 2016. Its eight pairs of optical fibers have a massive transmission capacity of 144 terabits per second, making it a vital part of our telecommunications infrastructure.
News Directory 3: There have been past incidents involving damage to undersea cables and infrastructure in the region. Does this raise any concerns about the security of critical infrastructure?
Samuli Bergström: Absolutely, the integrity and security of our critical infrastructure are of utmost importance. The incidents involving the electricity cable and gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia in October 2023 highlight the vulnerabilities we face. We continuously assess and monitor these risks in collaboration with other agencies and entities to ensure our infrastructure remains secure.
News Directory 3: What are the next steps in this investigation?
Samuli Bergström: Our team at Traficom, along with Cinia, is actively investigating the situation. We are gathering data, collaborating with relevant authorities, and analyzing all factors that could have contributed to the cable’s damage. Our goal is to ensure a swift resolution and assess any necessary preventive measures for the future.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Samuli. We appreciate you sharing this crucial information with us.
Samuli Bergström: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s important to keep the public informed about these developments.
The portal “Verkkouutiset” noted that the “C-Lion1” cable has eight pairs of optical fibers with a transmission capacity of 144 terabits per second. When the cable was launched, “Cinia” announced that it would be utilized by data center operators “Hetzner Online” and “TeliaSonera,” as well as by the Russian telecom operator “Avelacom.”
In October 2023, an electricity cable and a gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia were damaged. An investigation revealed that a Chinese ship’s anchor caused the damage. Around the same time, Sweden reported separate damage to the cable connecting it to Estonia.
In January of the previous year, authorities indicated that damage to another electricity cable between Finland and Estonia likely did not result from external factors.
The incident involving the “NordStream” gas pipeline between Sweden and Denmark, which was damaged in 2022, remains unresolved.