Finland and Germany Cut Off: C-Lion1 Submarine Cable Severed
Impact on Connectivity and Businesses
On January 21, 2023, the C-Lion1 submarine cable, a critical telecommunications link between Finland and Germany, was severed, causing significant disruptions to internet connectivity and business operations in both countries.
The C-Lion1 cable carries a large portion of data traffic between Finland and Germany, and its outage has led to slower internet speeds, increased latency, and occasional service interruptions.
Businesses that rely on real-time data exchange and communication with partners in Germany have been particularly affected by the cable cut.
Cause of the Outage
The exact cause of the C-Lion1 cable cut is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that it may have been caused by fishing activities.
Submarine cables are often damaged by fishing trawlers dragging their nets across the seabed, and the C-Lion1 cable is located in an area where fishing is common.
Once the cause is determined, repair work can begin, but it is expected to take several weeks to restore full connectivity.
Alternative Connectivity Options
While the C-Lion1 cable is being repaired, Finland and Germany are exploring alternative connectivity options to minimize the impact of the outage.
These options include using other submarine cables that connect the two countries, as well as satellite links and terrestrial fiber networks.
However, these alternative routes may have lower bandwidth capacity or higher latency, which could still affect internet performance and business operations.
Long-Term Implications
The C-Lion1 cable outage highlights the importance of diverse and resilient telecommunications infrastructure.
Reliance on a single cable can leave countries vulnerable to disruptions caused by natural disasters, accidents, or malicious activities.
Investing in multiple submarine cables and other connectivity options can help ensure that critical communication and data exchange can continue even in the event of an outage.
