A 40-member International Advisory Body has been established to strengthen the resilience of submarine telecommunication cables, which underpin 99% of global internet traffic. These cables, vital for commerce, finance, government operations, and essential digital services, face exposures from natural hazards, fishing activities, and equipment failures, with 150-200 faults reported yearly.
This initiative, launched jointly by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), seeks to handle the growing threats to these vital systems. Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) of India, will represent the nation on the Advisory Body, which includes ministers, regulators, and senior telecom specialists from across the globe.
India is an important player in the international submarine cable ecosystem, hosting 17 international subsea cables across 14 landing stations in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Cochin. Indian telecom operators such as Tata Communications, Reliance Jio, and Bharti Airtel are actively involved in the deployment and upkeep of these cables.
As of 2022, India’s submarine cables had a total lit capacity of 138.606 Tbps, reflecting its key role in the international digital economy. Projects like the 2Africa and SEA-ME-WE 6 cables further emphasize the country’s importance in international connectivity.
Co-chaired by Nigerian Communications Minister Bosun Tijani and Prof. Sandra Maximiano of Portugal’s National Communications Authority, the Advisory Body will promote global best practices to decrease risks to submarine cables. It will also guide efforts to address aging infrastructure, reduce environmental risks, and improve repair and deployment times.
The body’s inaugural virtual meeting is set for December 12, 2024, followed by an in-person gathering during the Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, in February 2025.
Submarine cables are essential for modern communication, transmitting vast amounts of data with minimal loss. With over 500 active and planned systems internationally, disruptions can lead to economic instability, security challenges, and widespread internet outages.
Efforts to protect this infrastructure are becoming increasingly compulsory, as over 200 repairs were reported in 2023 alone. The ITU, as a UN agency for digital technologies, is leading efforts to establish standards and strategies for enhancing cable resilience, ensuring rapid recovery after disruptions, and embracing sustainable industry practices.
Founded in 1958, the International Cable Protection Committee provides a global forum for cooperation between governments and industry stakeholders. Its focus on sharing technical, legal, and environmental expertise seeks to boost the security and efficiency of undersea cables.
With global digital reliance increasing exponentially, protecting submarine cables has become a top priority. The creation of the International Advisory Body is an important step toward ensuring the stability and security of this vital infrastructure, essential for global communication and economic growth. (PR)