Vodafone and Three explore new subsea cable to Shetlands

Vodafone and Three explore new subsea cable to Shetlands is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Vodafone and Three assess the viability of a direct subsea cable between the Scottish mainland and Shetland Islands.
• The study aims to improve future digital connectivity and network redundancy across remote communities in the Highlands and Islands.

What happened: Feasibility study launched for Shetland–mainland fibre link amid connectivity concerns

Vodafone and Three UK, operating under their merged entity, have announced a new feasibility study exploring the potential for a subsea fibre-optic cable connecting the Shetland Islands with the Scottish mainland. The study, revealed in a joint statement, follows previous disruptions to connectivity in the region and is intended to strengthen long-term digital infrastructure.

The project is still at an early stage, with the companies evaluating environmental, engineering and logistical factors. The cable would provide an alternative route for data traffic, enhancing redundancy and reliability in the Highlands and Islands region, particularly Shetland. The study will also consider partnerships with local and regional stakeholders to ensure that the cable aligns with broader infrastructure goals.

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Why it’s important

The Shetland Islands rely on a small number of existing subsea connections, which makes them vulnerable to outages. In October 2022, a cable break cut off communications for hours, highlighting the risks of limited redundancy. For residents, businesses, emergency services and energy operations in Shetland, reliable connectivity is essential.

The initiative by Vodafone and Three reflects a growing awareness that rural connectivity must keep pace with urban digital infrastructure. As government and regulators push for universal broadband access, projects like this serve as test cases for how private operators can deliver public benefit through infrastructure investment. The move aligns with Ofcom’s calls to boost network resilience in hard-to-reach areas.

However, without follow-through and funding clarity, feasibility studies may not lead to deployment. The test will be in execution. Still, the companies’ intent to explore private sector-led solutions to regional challenges is a step in the right direction.