Critical Undersea Infrastructure

What is Critical Undersea Infrastructure?

Critical undersea infrastructure includes undersea cables, pipelines, and energy installations that support global communications, energy supply, and economic stability. Undersea cables, laid on the ocean floor, transmit telecommunications signals, including internet and data, forming the backbone of global connectivity. This infrastructure is vital for energy distribution, the digital economy, and international communication but remains vulnerable to accidents, and intentional sabotage, making its protection a strategic priority.

Why is Protecting Undersea Critical Infrastructure Important?

Critical undersea infrastructure is the backbone of global connectivity, energy distribution, and economic stability, but it faces significant risks from both natural and man-made threats. Undersea cables carry over 95% of international data traffic, supporting everything from internet access and financial transactions to government communications and cloud services. Any disruption, whether from accidental damage or targeted attacks, can lead to widespread outages, economic losses, and security threats. Similarly, damage to undersea cables and energy installations can disrupt fuel supplies, impact industrial operations, and create geopolitical tensions.

As global reliance on this infrastructure continues to grow, protecting it is a strategic priority for governments, industries, and security agencies to ensure resilience, secure communication, and uninterrupted global operations.

When Were the First Undersea Cables Laid?

The concept of undersea cables first came about in the 1840s, and an underwater cable connecting France and England’s telegraph networks was unsuccessfully attempted in 1850. Eight years later, the first transatlantic cable connected Ireland to Newfoundland. However, the success was short-lived. The cable had insulation issues and failed after just a few weeks. In 1866, a more durable transatlantic cable was laid, which marked the beginning of reliable transatlantic communication. 

By the late 1800s, there were extensive submarine telegraph cables connecting Europe, North America, and places around the world. 

With the advent and growth of the telephone, efforts to lay underwater telephone cables began in the 1930s. It wasn’t until 1956, though, that the first transatlantic telephone cable was successful. Called TAT-1, it connected Scotland and Newfoundland. Telephone cables continued to expand and improve global communication. 

Fiber optics technology revolutionized underwater cables. Developed in the 1980s, it allowed high-capacity data transmissions using light pulses. The first transatlantic fiber optic cable, TAT-8, was laid in 1988 and dramatically increased data transmission speeds and capacity. 

Today, over 400 fiber optic submarine cables cover hundreds of thousands of kilometers. They connect continents and facilitate the majority of global internet traffic. These cables continue to evolve, increasing capacity and resilience.

Why are Undersea Cables a Crucial Component of Critical Undersea Infrastructure?

Underwater cables are a crucial component of critical infrastructure, because they carry about 95% of the world’s internet traffic, connecting continents and enabling global communication. These fiber-optic cables support everything from financial transactions to government operations, and are essential for the functioning of the digital economy. 

Without them, modern businesses, communication networks, and even national security would face significant disruption. Their role in maintaining global connectivity makes their protection and maintenance vital for ensuring stability and security in today’s interconnected world.

As the U.S. Naval Institute explains, “Today, there are approximately 750,000 miles of undersea cables stretching across the world’s oceans, and data management has become much more complex…Commercial undersea cable communications carry over 97 percent of all intercontinental electronic communications. Approximately $10 trillion in transactions and limitless information are transmitted through undersea cables in both civilian and government sector assets every day. Maintaining the security of undersea cables is paramount to the United States’ maritime strategic interests.”

What are Some of the Challenges of Critical Undersea Cables? 

Some of the challenges of underwater cables include:

High initial installation costs: laying underwater cables requires significant investment in specialized ships, technology, and labor.

Vulnerability to physical damage: underwater cables are susceptible to damage from anchors, fishing activities, earthquakes, and natural disasters.

Maintenance difficulties: repairing or maintaining these cables is a complex and costly process, requiring specialized ships and crews to access and fix the cables at sea.

Security risks: these cables are a critical part of global infrastructure, making them targets for sabotage, espionage, or cyberattacks.

Environmental concerns: the process of laying cables on the ocean floor can disturb marine ecosystems, and their long-term presence might affect underwater environments.

What are Some of the Benefits of Undersea Cables? 

The benefits of underwater cables are numerous, making them a key component of global communication infrastructure:

• High bandwidth: underwater cables can transmit vast amounts of data quickly, supporting high-speed internet and global connectivity.
• Low latency: they provide faster communication compared to satellite systems, reducing delays in data transmission over long distances.
• Reliability: less prone to weather-related disruptions, underwater cables offer more stable and consistent performance compared to satellites or over-water cables.
• Cost-effectiveness: while installation costs are high, underwater cables are more economical for long-term, large-scale data transmission across continents.
• Long-distance capabilities: these cables effectively connect continents and countries, facilitating uninterrupted global communication and economic activities.

Which Agencies Regulate Undersea Cables? 

There are several regulatory agencies involved, including:

• International Telecommunications Union (ITU): this specialized United Nations agency plays a key role in coordinating global telecommunication standards and policies, including those related to submarine cables, to ensure that international communications are standardized and interoperable
• National governments and regulatory bodies: each country has its own regulatory authority that oversees telecommunications infrastructure within its jurisdiction. Examples include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States.
• Regional organizations: some regions, such as the European Union, have regional regulatory bodies 
• International organizations and consortiums: many submarine cables are owned and operated by consortiums of telecommunications companies and international organizations. These groups often establish their own regulations and agreements regarding the construction, maintenance, and operation of the cables
• Maritime authorities: national maritime authorities or agencies are responsible for the regulations related to the physical placement of cables on the seabed, including ensuring that they do not interfere with shipping lanes and other maritime activities

Vigilance is Required

Vigilance is Required

The world’s critical undersea infrastructure is vital to modern life, yet its security and resilience often go overlooked. Our gas supply, internet connectivity, financial systems, and countless industries depend on the seamless operation of undersea cables, pipelines, and energy installations. Despite their critical role, responsibility for monitoring and protecting these assets remains fragmented, with unclear jurisdiction and varying levels of oversight across different countries. As threats continue to evolve, the need for dedicated resources, advanced technology, and international collaboration becomes more urgent. Without a coordinated approach, disruptions to undersea critical infrastructure could have far-reaching economic and security consequences, highlighting the need for global awareness and proactive protection measures.