A proposed undersea internet cable could create a new direct digital connection between Europe and Canada while avoiding the United States. Norwegian infrastructure company Bulk is promoting the Leif Erikson project, a planned route of approximately 2,800 miles across the North Atlantic.
The proposal comes as Canada explores ways to diversify its international communications infrastructure. Submarine cables carry large volumes of internet traffic between continents, supporting everything from cloud computing and video calls to financial services and business networks.
According to a report published on October 23, 2026, the proposed cable would connect southern Norway with Newfoundland and Labrador. The route would then continue across Canada, including an underground section toward Quebec and Montreal.
Why an Alternative Internet Route Matters
International internet traffic depends heavily on physical infrastructure. Although users often think of the internet as a wireless or cloud-based service, much of the world's intercontinental data travels through fibre-optic cables laid on the seabed.
Having several independent routes can improve resilience. If one cable is damaged or a network experiences a disruption, alternative connections may help operators reroute traffic and maintain service.
For Canada, a cable linking directly to Europe could offer another option for international data traffic that does not need to pass through US territory. The project is also being presented as a way to strengthen control over communications infrastructure and expand access to European networks.
However, a new cable would not automatically eliminate reliance on existing routes. Its value would depend on where it connects, its available capacity, the networks that use it and whether customers adopt the service.
What Is the Leif Erikson Project?
Bulk's proposal involves a subsea connection from southern Norway to Newfoundland and Labrador, followed by a terrestrial route across Canada toward Montreal. The reported project cost is expected to exceed $620 million.
The company is seeking a Canadian majority partner to help finance the project. Although Bulk has experience with land and subsea connectivity infrastructure, the proposed route still requires additional investment and approvals before construction can move forward.
The project would also need coordination among relevant authorities in Canada and Europe. Its overland section could require infrastructure agreements and consultation with Indigenous communities along the planned route.
These requirements make the proposal a long-term infrastructure project rather than a new internet service that consumers can access immediately.
Potential Benefits for Businesses and Cloud Services
If built, a direct Europe–Canada route could provide additional capacity for cloud platforms, telecommunications providers and businesses that transfer large amounts of data between the regions.
Companies increasingly rely on international data centres and cloud services to operate websites, host applications, process payments and collaborate across borders. Additional network routes may give service providers more options when planning capacity and managing disruptions.
The cable could also become part of a broader effort to diversify digital infrastructure as demand for high-capacity connectivity continues to grow.
Still, the actual benefits would depend on the final design, network interconnections, operating agreements and commercial demand. A proposed route alone does not guarantee lower prices or faster internet for individual households.
The Challenges Ahead
The project faces several important obstacles. It needs substantial financing, a majority Canadian partner and regulatory approvals. The cable's route must also be coordinated across international and domestic jurisdictions.
Subsea cables are complex engineering projects that require careful route planning, installation vessels, landing stations and long-term maintenance arrangements. Construction costs and schedules can change as these details are finalized.
For that reason, the proposal should not be confused with a completed cable or an approved launch date. More details will be needed before its eventual capacity, availability and commercial terms can be assessed.
What It Could Mean for the Future of Connectivity
The Leif Erikson proposal highlights how digital infrastructure is becoming an important part of economic resilience and national connectivity planning.
A new Europe–Canada route could create an additional path for international data traffic if the project secures funding and approval. It would also demonstrate how physical internet infrastructure continues to shape the reliability and independence of digital services.
For now, the project remains a proposal to watch. Its progress will depend on investment, regulatory decisions and the ability of the companies and governments involved to turn the plan into a functioning network.
