Arctic Connectivity Set for Improvement

Northern Sea Route to Receive Enhanced Communication Infrastructure

Experts at the "Digital Economy" ANO have proposed including measures to improve communication in the Arctic in the national project on data economics until 2030. This involves creating a state institution with the authority of a telecom operator in remote areas. This is reported by "Kommersant" with reference to presentation materials.

It is noted that the development of the concept of a trans-Arctic telecom operator is included in the development plan of the Northern Sea Route until 2035, which was approved by the RF Cabinet of Ministers on August 1, 2023. According to information from the presentation, the funds for improving communication in the region are estimated at 60 billion rubles. The project is planned to be implemented through state and private investments.

The plan includes the restoration of closed HF radio centers, as well as the construction of ground segments of fiber-optic communication lines (FOCL). While satellite communication remains the main channel for information exchange, experts suggest maintaining HF channels in the current global environment.

Earlier, www1.ru wrote that communication problems in remote, hard-to-reach areas of the north, including the Arctic and Siberia, have already prompted STC and TUSUR to start developing an autonomous communication complex. It will serve as a backup communication source at oil and gas fields and will be of key importance in emergency situations and during repair and construction work. The complex includes a generator, a data processing unit, and an air platform with drones for communication relay.