--- title: "ETD Finland: Building the Invisible Backbone of the Digital Society from Lappeenranta" description: ETD Finland is building the vital telecommunications infrastructure for a rapidly growing data economy, emphasizing the importance of fibre optics and connectivity. image: https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/ETD%20Finland%20ryhm%C3%A4kuva.jpg --- [![Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Logot/Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi.png?width=192&height=60&name=Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi.png "Business-Lappeenranta-imatra-Region-combo-logo-RGB-valko-vihrea-oranssi")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Themes](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes) Show submenu for Themes - [Energy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/energy) - [ICT](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/ict) - [Pilot environments](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/piloting-possibilities) - [Bioeconomy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/bioeconomy) - [News](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news) - [Services](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/services) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/yhteystiedot) - [Home](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/) - [Themes](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes) Show submenu for Themes - [Energy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/energy) - [ICT](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/ict) - [Pilot environments](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/piloting-possibilities) - [Bioeconomy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/themes/bioeconomy) - [News](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news) - [Services](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/services) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/yhteystiedot) Haku Hae - - [English](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news/etd-the-invisible-backbone-of-the-digital-society-from-lappeenranta) - [Suomi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/etd-finland-rakentaa-lappeenrannasta-käsin-digitaalisen-yhteiskunnan-näkymätöntä-selkärankaa) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot#yhteydenotto) - - [English](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news/etd-the-invisible-backbone-of-the-digital-society-from-lappeenranta) - [Suomi](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/etd-finland-rakentaa-lappeenrannasta-käsin-digitaalisen-yhteiskunnan-näkymätöntä-selkärankaa) - [Contact us](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot#yhteydenotto) Haku Hae ![ETD Finland Oy:n henkilöstö](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/ETD%20Finland%20ryhm%C3%A4kuva.jpg) 12.10.2026 | [ICT and data economy](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/en/news/tag/ict-and-data-economy) # ETD Finland: Building the Invisible Backbone of the Digital Society from Lappeenranta ETD Finland is building the vital telecommunications infrastructure for a rapidly growing data economy, emphasizing the importance of fibre optics and connectivity. ## *Share* - [mailto:?&subject=ETD%20Finland:%20Building%20the%20Invisible%20Backbone%20of%20the%20Digital%20Society%20from%20Lappeenranta&body=ETD%20Finland:%20Building%20the%20Invisible%20Backbone%20of%20the%20Digital%20Society%20from%20Lappeenranta%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fbusinesssouthkarelia.fi%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fetd-the-invisible-backbone-of-the-digital-society-from-lappeenranta)](mailto:?&subject=ETD%20Finland:%20Building%20the%20Invisible%20Backbone%20of%20the%20Digital%20Society%20from%20Lappeenranta&body=ETD%20Finland:%20Building%20the%20Invisible%20Backbone%20of%20the%20Digital%20Society%20from%20Lappeenranta%0A(https%3A%2F%2Fbusinesssouthkarelia.fi%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fetd-the-invisible-backbone-of-the-digital-society-from-lappeenranta)) - - - As Finnish society digitalises at an accelerating pace and artificial intelligence transforms the way nearly every industry operates, one thing remains unchanged: none of it works without reliable telecommunications infrastructure. Building and developing this infrastructure has been the mission of **ETD Finland Oy**, a company based in Lappeenranta, for more than two decades. Founded in 2003, ETD Finland has grown into a specialist in fibre-optic and telecommunications infrastructure, delivering solutions to telecom operators, data centres, industrial companies, energy providers, public-sector organisations and network contractors across Finland. The company is particularly known for its high-quality fibre-optic and telecommunications solutions, but over the years, its expertise has expanded to include active network technologies, data centre solutions and demanding network infrastructure projects. ETD has pursued growth systematically, both organically and through acquisitions. Today, as part of the FSM Group, the company operates from offices in Lappeenranta, Vantaa, Joensuu and Oulu. The company's roots are firmly established in Lappeenranta. Its founder, Jukka Olkkonen, recognised the growing importance of fibre-optic technology in the early 2000s and built the business to meet the needs of a rapidly digitalising society. Since then, ETD has contributed to developing the telecommunications networks that underpin the digital operations of businesses, industries and public services throughout Finland. ## ETD Operates in a Rapidly Expanding Market Today, ETD Finland operates in a market whose importance is growing faster than ever before. The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, construction of data centres, industrial digitalisation, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving an exponential increase in data volumes. At the same time, demand for fast, secure and energy-efficient telecommunications solutions continues to grow – precisely the technologies ETD has specialised in for more than 20 years. According to **Petri Örling, CEO of ETD Finland**, discussions about the data economy often focus on large data centres or artificial intelligence applications. In reality, these technologies depend on an extensive infrastructure that enables data to move, be processed and ultimately be put to use. "Everyone is talking about artificial intelligence, but for AI to work, enormous amounts of data transmission capacity, fibre-optic networks, network equipment and data centres are required. Behind all of this is physical infrastructure that must operate reliably and securely. Our role is to build precisely this invisible foundation," Örling explains. Örling sees ETD Finland as more than an infrastructure supplier. The company is an active participant in the transformation of the data economy. Its expertise is built on decades of experience in telecommunications networks and fibre-optic technology – technologies that are becoming increasingly important as AI and data-driven solutions are adopted across industries. "The data economy is not built on data centres alone. It emerges from an entire ecosystem in which information moves quickly and securely between users, businesses, industries, AI services and data centres. This is a development we have been contributing to for years, and we believe it is only beginning to accelerate." ## The Data Economy Needs More Than Data Centres In recent years, discussions about Finland's data economy have largely focused on major data centre investments. While these facilities are an essential part of digital infrastructure, Örling emphasises that they are only the starting point for a much broader transformation. According to him, the future data economy will consist of an interconnected network of hyperscale data centres, regional data facilities, edge computing units, businesses and end-user devices, all continuously exchanging information. As this ecosystem develops, telecommunications networks will become increasingly critical. "Many people still think of data as simply travelling from the user to the cloud and back. In reality, the telecommunications networks of the future will be far more complex. Artificial intelligence will continuously connect systems, services and data centres, leading to an enormous increase in data traffic," Örling explains. The growth in data volumes is already evident across industries. Industrial automation, energy systems, smart cities, healthcare and logistics are increasingly dependent on real-time data. This, in turn, requires more capable and efficient telecommunications networks. ## Physical AI Brings Computing Closer to Everyday Life Örling also highlights an emerging technological development that is receiving increasing international attention: *Physical AI*. In this new phase, artificial intelligence is no longer confined to cloud services or computer screens. Instead, it interacts with and controls physical systems, including factories, robots, vehicles, energy networks and buildings. "When an autonomous vehicle makes decisions in traffic, it cannot wait for a response from a data centre on the other side of Europe. Decisions must be made in milliseconds. That is why computing power increasingly needs to be located closer to users and devices," Örling explains. This development is increasing the importance of *edge computing*. Rather than processing all information in large, centralised data centres, some computing takes place locally, for example in industrial facilities, transport systems or urban infrastructure. At the same time, the capacity requirements placed on telecommunications networks are growing rapidly. ## Fibre Optics Remain the Foundation of the Digital Society Although public discussions often focus on artificial intelligence, cloud services or emerging 6G technology, Örling points out that fibre-optic infrastructure remains fundamental to all of them. Without fast and reliable connectivity, a functioning data economy simply cannot exist. "Everyone talks about artificial intelligence, but far fewer people discuss everything that is needed behind the scenes to make it work. Fibre optics remain the backbone of our entire digital society, and their importance is not diminishing – quite the opposite," Örling says. In the future, almost every device around us will generate data. Homes, factories, electricity grids, heat pumps, transport systems and various sensors will form an enormous interconnected digital environment in which information must move quickly, securely and reliably. ## Lappeenranta Has the Potential to Become a Major Data Economy Hub From ETD Finland's perspective, Lappeenranta is exceptionally well positioned to benefit from the growth of the data economy. The region combines clean electricity generation, strong expertise in energy technologies, research at LUT University, an emerging data centre ecosystem and a long industrial heritage. Örling believes that data centres can act as catalysts for new growth, but the greatest value is created by the businesses and services that develop around them. "A data centre alone does not transform a region. What matters is the entire ecosystem that develops around it – companies providing telecommunications networks, automation, security solutions, energy expertise, software and a wide range of specialist services. That is where much of the new business potential is created," Örling explains. According to Örling, Lappeenranta's particular strength lies in its ability to bring together energy, digitalisation, research and industry in a way that supports the long-term development of the data economy. ## Growth Is Built on Expertise The expansion of the data economy is also reflected in ETD Finland's own ambitions. The company is pursuing strong growth through both organic development and acquisitions, with the aim of significantly expanding its operations in the coming years. At the same time, it is strengthening its position as an expert in digital infrastructure, both in Finland and internationally. Despite the rapid pace of technological development, Örling emphasises that the company's most valuable asset remains its people and their expertise. "We may have products worth millions of euros in our warehouses, but it is people who make the business work. Ultimately, expertise is our most important competitive advantage." ETD Finland's story demonstrates that the data economy is not built solely on new AI applications or high-profile data centre investments. Its foundation also consists of companies that develop and maintain the digital infrastructure – telecommunications networks, fibre-optic systems and technologies that enable data to move securely and efficiently. As the data economy expands and artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into industry, energy systems, transport and everyday life, the importance of this infrastructure will continue to grow. ETD Finland has been helping to build that foundation for more than two decades – and according to Petri Örling, the real growth story is only just beginning. ## Saattaisit myös pitää ### [![ETD Finland Oy:n henkilöstö](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/ETD%20Finland%20ryhm%C3%A4kuva.jpg) *12.10.2026 | ICT ja datatalous* ETD Finland rakentaa Lappeenrannasta käsin digitaalisen yhteiskunnan näkymätöntä selkärankaa](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/etd-finland-rakentaa-lappeenrannasta-k%C3%A4sin-digitaalisen-yhteiskunnan-n%C3%A4kym%C3%A4t%C3%B6nt%C3%A4-selk%C3%A4rankaa?hsLang=en) ### [![ETD Finland: Building the Invisible Backbone of the Digital Society from Lappeenranta](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/Mustola%204.jpg) *2.10.2026 | Energia ja vihreä sähkö* Lappeenrannan teollisuusalueita kehitetään seuraavaa kasvuvaihetta varten](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/lappeenrannan-teollisuusalueita-kehitet%C3%A4%C3%A4n-seuraavaa-kasvuvaihetta-varten?hsLang=en) ### [![ETD Finland: Building the Invisible Backbone of the Digital Society from Lappeenranta](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/maisema-web-1.jpg) *7.4.2026 | ICT ja datatalous* Poikkeuksellinen datakeskusinvestointi Lappeenrantaan – Nebius toimijaksi Pajarilaan rakennettavaan tekoälyprojektiin](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit/poikkeuksellinen-datakeskusinvestointi-lappeenrantaan-nebius-toimijaksi-pajarilaan-rakennettavaan-teko%C3%A4lyprojektiin?hsLang=en) Contact info Helena Laitinen City of Lappeenranta tel. 045 602 0140 helena.laitinen@lappeenranta.fi   Janne Saharinen Imatran Seudun Kehitysyhtiö Oy Puh. 050 584 6294 janne.saharinen@kehy.fi **Sitemap** - [Etusivu](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi) - [Teemat](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/teemat) - [Artikkelit](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/artikkelit) - [Yritystarinat](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yritystarinat) - [Ota yhteyttä](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/yhteystiedot) [![Business-Lappeenranta-Region-logo-RGB-valkoinen](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/Logos/Business-Lappeenranta-Region-logo-RGB-valkoinen.svg "Business-Lappeenranta-Region-logo-RGB-valkoinen")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) [![BIR\_logo\_logo\_oranssi-valkoinen](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hs-fs/hubfs/Logot/BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen.png?width=153&height=100&name=BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen.png "BIR_logo_logo_oranssi-valkoinen")](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/?hsLang=en) ![Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR](https://businesssouthkarelia.fi/hubfs/Logos/Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR.jpg "Rahoittajalogot-yhdessa-EAKR") Sivusto on luotu osana "Kotisatama Etelä-Karjalaan - Maakunnallisen sijoittumismyynnin kehittäminen" -hanketta. 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