NIB lends to Arelion for Nordic-Baltic fibre network expansion

• NIB provides SEK 700 million 5-year loan to Arelion for Nordic-Baltic fibre network expansion and upgrades
• Investments will increase transmission capacity and add cross-border and route-diverse connections
• The programme is expected to support the growth of cloud, artificial intelligence and other data-intensive services

NIB and Arelion AB have signed a 5-year loan agreement of SEK 700 million for the expansion and upgrade of fibre network infrastructure across the Nordic and Baltic countries.

The investments include new and upgraded backbone routes, transmission systems, data centre connectivity, cross-border terrestrial and subsea fibre links, and enhancements to colocation and cable landing facilities. The programme is designed to increase network capacity, strengthen route diversity and improve connectivity between key digital infrastructure hubs across the region.

By expanding capacity, reducing network bottlenecks and enhancing cross-border and route-diverse connectivity, the investments are expected to support continued growth in cloud, artificial intelligence and other data-intensive services across the Nordic and Baltic region.

Daniel Kurgan, CEO, Arelion said: “The Nordics have a significant opportunity to support Europe’s AI growth, and Arelion is investing to connect that opportunity to the world. We are building the region’s AI superhighway, linking data centres with the capacity, resilience and reach their customers need. NIB’s financing supports the next phase of our long-term investment across the Nordic-Baltic region, helping us build ahead of demand and support our customers as they scale.”

André Küüsvek, NIB President and CEO said: “AI needs more than computing power. It also needs the networks that move growing volumes of data securely and reliably. By expanding capacity and adding more cross-border routes, this investment strengthens the digital infrastructure on which AI, cloud services and the wider economy increasingly depend.”

Arelion AB provides telecommunications infrastructure to over 2,800 customers in more than 125 countries through its 76,000-kilometre fibre network. The company is owned by Polhem Infra, a Swedish infrastructure investor backed by the Swedish pension funds AP3 and AP4.

Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) is an international financial institution owned by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. NIB strengthens the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the Nordic-Baltic region. The Bank is headquartered in Helsinki with a regional hub in Riga. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s.  

Contacts:
Tore Emanuelsson, Senior Banker, +358 10 618 0244, Tore.Emanuelsson@nib.int

Arild Moen, Associate Director, External Communications Leads, +358 10 618 0496, Arild.Moen@nib.int