high-speed internet
connection in Norilsk

Before that, internet access had been provided through a satellite link. Construction of a Novy Urengoy-Norilsk fibre optic communication line worth some RUB 2.5 bn kicked off in 2014.

In September 2017, the Company started piloting the new communication line. The 40 Gbps line is 956 km long, with approximately 190 km running through a permafrost zone and 3.5 km beneath the Yenisey River. The launch of commercial operation is scheduled for Q2 2018.

This project did not only provide proto the high-speed internet for the Group but also served to raise living standards in the Norilsk Industrial District and improve the quality of state services provided under the existing government-sponsored initiatives, including the Portal of State Services, E-Government, Internet Connection for Every School, etc.

Access to the high-speed internet connection in Norilsk enabled the Company to install positioning and radio communications systems at Polar Division’s mines.

The systems help pinpoint the location of personnel and vehicles deployed in the underground workings and provide real-time data on mine conditions enhancing the safety of underground workers.