Lounea is launching a nationwide backbone network project to respond to rapidly growing data traffic and the increasing demand for capacity and route diversity.
The project will be implemented in phases, with the first phase expected to last approximately 2–3 years. The total investment is estimated at €200–400 million.
The project, named FBBV (Finland Baltic Backbone Venture), will be carried out by a newly established company, Lounea Runkoverkot Oy.
The aim is to build a next-generation backbone network that strengthens the reliability, competitiveness, and international connectivity of Finland’s digital infrastructure. The initiative is driven by the rapid growth of data traffic, artificial intelligence, and the digital industry, all of which are significantly increasing the need for transmission capacity.
Finland requires stronger backbone infrastructure
Finland’s current backbone network has largely been built in segments over past decades and no longer meets the capacity and routing requirements of a modern digital society.
Telecommunications have become critical infrastructure, and strengthening the backbone network is essential to ensuring both societal resilience and Finland’s digital competitiveness.
A high-quality, geographically comprehensive backbone network also supports data centre investments and enables data to be stored and managed within Europe. The planned network addresses these needs by increasing capacity, improving resilience, and creating physically separate routes.
It will also enable direct connections to key data centre locations and support the renewal of critical submarine cable connections for Finland and the EU.
Open infrastructure built through collaboration
Lounea will build the backbone network using a neutral host model, developing and operating physical infrastructure that is open to multiple operators simultaneously and does not compete in services.
The FBBV project brings together operators, partners, anchor customers, and other stakeholders requiring reliable and diverse data connections, both in Finland and internationally. The project will progress in phases, enabling controlled investment and long-term collaboration.
For further information:
Fibre networks for Data Centers | Lounea