The AUÐUR cable, expected operational by 2030, will offer 320–480 Tbps capacity using 16–24 fiber pairs and land in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
This project replaces the aging FARICE-1 system, expands Iceland’s digital integration with Europe, and targets cloud services and data center connectivity with reduced latency and increased resilience.
Financed without direct state funds, AUÐUR strengthens Iceland’s position as a North Atlantic data hub, diversifies routes, and enhances operational security for international communications and future digital demands.
Will Iceland's 'monster capacity' cable make it the new AI data capital of Europe?
With rising undersea sabotage, how will the new AUÐUR cable be physically protected?
As global data routes falter, is the 2030 timeline for this critical new link too late?
Will this cable also become a scientific tool for monitoring the North Atlantic's health?
Can private funding alone secure Europe's digital future against state-backed threats?
AUÐUR Cable Initiative (2026-2030): A 40x Capacity Leap for Iceland’s Digital Future
Overview
Farice announced the AUÐUR submarine cable project in 2026 to replace the aging FARICE-1 cable, aiming for operation by 2030. Funded privately, AUÐUR will connect Iceland directly to Scotland, creating a vital digital corridor that supports Iceland's booming data center industry powered by renewable energy. The cable uses advanced multicore fiber technology, boosting capacity by up to 40 times and enabling high-performance applications like AI and cloud computing. Its resilient design enhances network security and environmental monitoring, while strengthening Europe's transatlantic connectivity and digital infrastructure. AUÐUR represents a future-proof, sustainable investment securing Iceland and Europe's digital resilience for decades.