Norway addresses broadband communication in Arctic

The Norwegian Government announced an agreement with the state-owned company Space Norway to address the unstable broadband communication in the High North using satellites.

There is poor and unstable broadband coverage in the High North. The Government is now establishing broadband communication in the Arctic. Norwegian-owned satellites will ensure that those who run activity in the High North receive fast and stable internet,

…stated Minister of Industry Torbjørn Røe Isaksen.

Poor coverage in the High North creates challenges for maritime traffic, including security and emergency preparedness, oil spill response, defense and crisis management.

This is particularly important for the Armed Forces, who need communication that meets operational requirements. Satellite coverage throughout the Arctic can also be used by forces from nations with which Norway has entered into an agreement with peace, crisis and conflict,

…added Defense Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen.

Since 2015, Space Norway has been working on finding sustainable solutions that ensure that both the public and private sectors receive their needs for broadband communication in the north using satellites. The satellites are scheduled to be launched in 2022.

Better communication capacity is important for value creation and jobs in the north. It will be positive for all activity from ship traffic to defense, fishing and research,

…says Minister of Industry Røe Isaksen.

With respect to the above, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense have signed a relevant agreement on satellite cooperation.