Session on Arctic connectivity challenges at UArctic Congress 2026
The Thematic Network on Arctic Telecommunications and Networking hosted Session 19, “The Digital Divide in the North: Consequences and Solutions,” at the UArctic Congress 2026. The session featured expert perspectives from Europe, North America, and Asia on Arctic connectivity challenges, including sea cables, AI governance, and future 6G satellite networks.
Presentations included:
- “Hybrid governance and the development of submarine fiber-optic cable networks in the Arctic”, Juha Saunavaa, Hokkaido University, Arctic Research Center;
- “Bridging the Digital Implementation Gap in Modern Treaty Governance: The Case of Yukon’s One Mind North Initiative2”, Gabrielle Slowey, Toronto;
- “Will 6G satellite networks bridge the cellular divide?”, Jaap van de Beek, Luleå Technical University.
If you are interested in Internet connectivity technologies and its challenges in the Arctic, please join the TN by sending an email to Harri (harri.saarnisaari@oulu.fi). The TN can share information, organize sessions and webinars, and discuss potential collaboration in projects related to various funding opportunities.
One result of this collaboration is a very recent open access article in the Elsevier Journal Telecommunications Policy, titled “Rural connectivity inequalities in Finland and Sweden: Evidence, measures, and policy reflections".
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2026.103245