Telecom Lead Europe: Vodafone Iceland (Fjarskipti hf) has signed a partnership with Emerald Networks to leverage the new Emerald Networks submarine cable system “Emerald Express” to improve capacity of its communications networks.
The Emerald Express Cable system is the most advanced ‘next generation’ undersea telecommunications network ever built, offering low-latency and utilizing superior digital technology, according to the company. The cable brings significant new capacity to Iceland and allows Vodafone to handle current – and more importantly – future demand faster.
Emerald Express System is scheduled to be ready for service in Q3 2014. The system is a new-build system connecting North America to Europe, with a branch to Iceland.
Vodafone Iceland plans on using it for communications for at least the next 15 years. Vodafone is the first Icelandic company to sign a contract with Emerald Networks.
The cable landing station in Iceland is in the vicinity of Grindavik, and Emerald will provide backhaul to Reykjavik and on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Icelandic investment company Thule Investments manages financing of the project in Iceland.
Commenting on this partnership, Omar Svavarsson, CEO of Vodafone Iceland, said, “This guarantees Vodafone sufficient capacity, increases efficiency in the future, and we expect positive impact on our business. Additionally, the laying of a new submarine cable is of great importance to Iceland. It will boost the country’s competitiveness, and having the cable is of great importance to Icelanders.”
Phillip Magiera, CFO of Emerald Networks, said, “This is a significant step in securing the Icelandic branch of the Emerald Express cable system. Emerald brings increased capacity, added security and a direct connection to the USA that will significantly strengthen the case for Data Centers in Iceland and will increase opportunities for Icelandic Internet services and tech companies.”
For Vodafone Iceland, access to The Emerald Express will provide a foundation for secure and reliable high-speed data connection between Iceland, Europe and the US, Magiera added.
