Europe’s Internet Speeds are About to Get Much Faster

Tech giants and cable operators race to supercharge Europe’s internet with faster, low-latency undersea networks.

15 Jul 2025

Europe’s internet infrastructure is undergoing a significant transformation, with a fresh wave of undersea cable projects set to improve digital connectivity across the region. Rising demand for streaming, gaming, and video conferencing is driving one of the largest upgrades to the sector in more than ten years.

Telecom operators such as Telxius and Aqua Comms are leading efforts to modernise transatlantic data routes. Alongside boosting capacity, their focus is on reducing data transmission times, responding to the growing importance of low-latency services for industries including financial trading, online gaming, and virtual meetings.

Large technology companies are also increasing investment. Google has financed private cables such as Dunant and Grace Hopper, bypassing traditional shared networks to gain greater control over speed and reliability. “Latency is now a strategic battleground,” said a Google executive, reflecting the intensified competition for digital performance.

The introduction of faster infrastructure is creating opportunities for premium internet services. Industry analysts expect new pricing models to emerge, with usage-based charges likely to replace flat-rate packages, especially in sectors where lower latency delivers a competitive advantage.

However, the expansion faces challenges. Project costs are rising, and environmental groups have raised concerns about cables crossing sensitive marine areas. European regulators have also introduced stricter security requirements to protect what are now regarded as essential parts of the region’s digital economy.

Despite these obstacles, industry experts predict that the upgrades will make Europe’s internet backbone faster, more robust, and more adaptable. Further projects are already being planned, with the competition to provide high-speed, low-latency connections expected to continue reshaping the digital landscape in the years ahead.