Strengthening Submarine Cable Resilience Worldwide
Submarine telecommunication cables are crucial for global connectivity. They carry about 99% of internet traffic, enabling vital services like commerce, finance, and education. However, these cables are not without vulnerabilities. Each year, an estimated 150 to 200 faults occur due to various factors, including fishing activities, anchoring, natural disasters, and equipment failures. Recognizing the importance of this infrastructure, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) have launched the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of submarine cables, ensuring the stability of the global digital economy.
The Importance of Submarine Cables
Submarine cables are the backbone of international communication. They connect continents and facilitate the transfer of vast amounts of data. As of 2024, there are over 500 active and planned submarine cable systems worldwide. These cables are designed to transmit data efficiently over long distances. Their protective outer layer shields them from environmental hazards, while the core fiber strands optimize high-speed data transmission. This infrastructure is essential for real-time applications, including financial trading and video conferencing.
Despite their importance, submarine cables face numerous challenges. Environmental hazards, aging infrastructure, and complex regulatory environments threaten their integrity. In 2023 alone, over 200 repairs were reported globally, highlighting the vulnerabilities of this critical infrastructure. Disruptions can lead to economic instability and internet access issues for millions. Therefore, enhancing the resilience of submarine cables is paramount for maintaining global connectivity.
The Role of the International Advisory Body
The newly formed International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience aims to promote best practices among governments and industries. Its primary goal is to improve cable resilience, reduce damage risks, and ensure swift repairs. The body will provide strategic guidance to tackle challenges related to increasing internet traffic, aging infrastructure, and environmental threats.
Comprising 40 members from various countries, the Advisory Body includes ministers, regulatory authority heads, and telecommunications experts. This diverse representation ensures that the perspectives of both small island nations and larger economies are considered. The collective experience of the members will address the needs of those reliant on submarine cables and those responsible for their maintenance and protection.
The Advisory Body will meet at least twice a year to discuss international policies and best practices. The inaugural virtual meeting is set for December 12, 2024, followed by a physical meeting at the Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, in February 2025.
India’s Contribution to Submarine Cable Infrastructure
India plays a significant role in the global submarine cable network. The country is home to around 17 international subsea cables, with 14 distinct landing stations located in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Trivandrum. By the end of 2022, these cables had a total lit capacity of 138.606 Tbps and an activated capacity of 111.111 Tbps.
Several Indian telecom operators are involved in submarine cable infrastructure. Tata Communications owns five cable landing stations in key cities. Global Cloud eXchange operates stations in Mumbai and Trivandrum. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel also have significant investments in this area, with multiple landing stations and ongoing projects. Other players include Sify Technologies and BSNL, which manage various cable landing stations, and Vodafone, which plans to construct a new station in Puducherry.
India’s strategic position in the submarine cable network is vital for enhancing global connectivity and ensuring the resilience of this critical infrastructure.
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