Vormsi and Hiiumaa connected with ultra-fast internet

In a recent development, the cable installation work between Noarootsi-Vormsi and Vormsi-Hiiumaa was successfully completed with the help of the ship Telepaatti. This project involved the creation of 16.5 kilometers and 3.5 kilometers long cable routes, with a total of 48 fiber optic cables being pulled through them.

The next step in this process is to connect the islands to the national EstWin internet infrastructure, allowing service providers to offer fast internet to end-users, whether through fixed connections, mobile internet, or radio communication. It is expected that people will be able to start using high-speed internet in a few months, once all preparatory work is finished.

One of the key priorities of this project was to minimize the impact on the marine environment. To achieve this, landings on Vormsi were done using directional drilling towards the sea, preserving the seabed almost untouched. Indrek Allert, a member of the board of Eltel Networks AS, described the work as complex due to the shallow waters and rocky coastline. However, thanks to the extensive experience and professionalism of the Telepaatti team, the project progressed smoothly without any major issues.

The construction contract for this project was awarded to Eltel Networks AS, while the cable installation into the sea was carried out by Relacom Finland OY. The establishment of the Estonian Broadband Development Foundation in 2009, under the leadership of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications and members of the Estonian Information Technology and Telecommunications Association, aimed to implement the EstWin project, ensuring the availability of fast internet infrastructure in rural areas.

In a move to further support local communities, the new government has allocated 20 million euros to ensure that fast internet from the base network reaches end-users through non-profit organizations. In many areas, telecom companies lack the commercial incentive to extend the network to the so-called „last mile“ for end-users.

This initiative not only highlights the importance of connectivity in today’s digital age but also emphasizes the commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation. The successful completion of the cable installation work is a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide and bringing high-speed internet access to remote areas.