Canada is planning to build a 4,500-kilometer subsea cable connecting directly to Europe, bypassing the United States. The project, which aims to establish an independent digital infrastructure, is estimated to cost over $620 million.
The initiative was proposed by the Norwegian firm Bulk, which specializes in subsea cable systems. The company is 65 percent owned by a subsidiary of the Canadian firm Sun Life Financial, with additional backing from several Canadian pension funds.
The proposal was introduced in September at an international investor summit hosted by the Canadian government. Officials from Canada and the European Union are currently working to finalize the technical parameters and the specific route for the cable.
A joint statement regarding the project is scheduled for October 29 in Montreal. This announcement will outline plans to enhance digital connectivity between Europe, Canada, and Asia through new infrastructure.
Currently, Canada relies on a limited number of subsea cables that pass through the United States, none of which are owned by Canadian businesses. The largest existing line, Topez, is owned by Alphabet and links Canada to Japan.
