Merikaapelit

Merikaapelit are submarine telecommunication cables laid on the seabed to carry signals between land-based stations across seas and oceans. They form the backbone of international data and voice networks, handling the majority of intercontinental traffic such as internet data, telephone calls, and secure communications. A typical system consists of optical fiber strands within a protective outer sheath, repeater amplifiers to boost signals at intervals, and protective armor in shallow or busy areas. Each cable is connected to landing stations on shores where it interfaces with terrestrial networks.

The concept dates back to 19th-century telegraphy, with the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable laid in the 1860s. The introduction of coaxial telephone cables in the mid-20th century and, later, fiber-optic technology in the 1980s dramatically increased capacity. Since then, submarine fiber networks have expanded rapidly, forming a global web of routes that connect continents and support the internet age.

Construction, operation and maintenance involve specialized ships for laying and burial, as well as repair vessels for fault locations. Cables are routed to minimize risk from fishing, anchoring, and seabed disturbance, and they are designed with redundancy through multiple independent paths. Landing points are located in coastal cities, and onshore networks connect to the broader internet and telephone infrastructure.

Notable features of merikaapelit include their international, privately operated nature and their critical role in national communications security and resilience. The network continues to evolve with higher-capacity fibers, longer spans between amplifiers, and new routes to improve redundancy and reduce latency, ensuring global connectivity for decades to come.