Submarine telecommunication cables are essential to global communication, supporting approximately 99% of internet traffic and enabling critical services in commerce, finance, government, healthcare, and education. These cables form the backbone of the global digital economy, facilitating real-time communication across continents.
However, submarine cables are vulnerable to damage, with around 150-200 faults occurring annually worldwide. Damage can arise from various factors, including fishing activities, anchoring, natural hazards, and equipment failure.
Launch of the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience
To address these challenges and ensure the continued reliability of submarine cables, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) have partnered to establish the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience. This initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of submarine cables and safeguard the global digital economy.
Objectives of the Advisory Body
- Promote best practices among governments and industries.
- Improve cable resilience and reduce the risks of damage.
- Ensure swift repair and deployment of submarine cable systems.
- Provide strategic guidance to tackle increasing traffic, aging infrastructure, and environmental threats.
Composition and Role of the Advisory Body
The International Advisory Body comprises 40 members from across the globe, including ministers, regulatory heads, and telecommunications experts. The body ensures diverse representation, addressing the needs of both small island nations and large economies. The collective expertise of the members will guide efforts to protect and improve submarine cable infrastructure.
Leadership: The body will be co-chaired by:
- H.E. Minister Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Nigeria.
- Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Chair of the Board of Directors, Portugal’s National Communications Authority (ANACOM).
Meetings and Strategic Planning: The Advisory Body will meet at least twice a year to discuss international policies and best practices for improving submarine cable resilience. The inaugural virtual meeting is scheduled for 12th December 2024, followed by an in-person meeting at the Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, in February 2025.
India’s Role in the Global Submarine Cable Network
India plays a crucial role in the global submarine cable network, hosting 17 international subsea cables across 14 distinct landing stations in major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Tuticorin, and Trivandrum. By the end of 2022, the total lit capacity of these cables was 138.606 Tbps, with 111.111 Tbps of activated capacity.
Key Indian Telecom Operators Involved:
- Tata Communications: Operates five cable landing stations in Mumbai, Chennai, and Cochin.
- Global Cloud eXchange (formerly Reliance Globalcom): Owns stations in Mumbai and Trivandrum.
- Reliance Jio: Operates landing stations in Chennai and Mumbai, with ongoing new projects.
- Bharti Airtel: Involved in multiple stations and cable projects, including 2Africa/EMIC-1 and SEA-ME WE 6.
- Sify Technologies and BSNL: Operate various cable landing stations.
- Vodafone and IOX: IOX plans to build a new cable landing station in Puducherry.
The Role of the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC)
Founded in 1958, the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) serves as a global forum for governments and commercial entities engaged in the submarine cable industry. Its mission is to enhance the security of undersea cables by facilitating the exchange of technical, legal, and environmental information.
Challenges Facing Submarine Cable Infrastructure
Despite their critical role in global communications, submarine cables face several challenges:
- Environmental Hazards: Deep-sea pressure, corrosion, and marine activity can damage cables.
- Aging Infrastructure: Older cables are more vulnerable to failures.
- Regulatory Complexities: Navigating global regulatory environments can delay repairs and maintenance.
In 2023, over 200 submarine cable repairs were reported globally, highlighting the infrastructure’s vulnerabilities. Disruptions can have significant consequences, including economic instability, security risks, and widespread internet access disruptions.
The Role of ITU in Enhancing Cable Resilience
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as the UN agency for digital technologies, recognizes the vital role of submarine cables in global communications. ITU is spearheading efforts to enhance cable resilience through cooperation, standard-setting, and providing technical guidance. The International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience is a key initiative of ITU aimed at developing best practices for securing submarine cable infrastructure and addressing issues such as cable maintenance, damage prevention, and rapid recovery.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What percentage of global internet traffic is carried by submarine telecommunication cables?
- a) 50%
- b) 75%
- c) 99%
- d) 80%
- Answer: c) 99%
- Which organizations jointly launched the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience?
- a) United Nations and ICPC
- b) ITU and ICPC
- c) ITU and UNDP
- d) ICPC and UNESCO
- Answer: b) ITU and ICPC
- How many members make up the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience?
- a) 50
- b) 40
- c) 35
- d) 30
- Answer: b) 40
- Where will the inaugural in-person meeting of the International Advisory Body take place in 2025?
- a) Mumbai, India
- b) Abuja, Nigeria
- c) New York, USA
- d) Lisbon, Portugal
- Answer: b) Abuja, Nigeria
- Which Indian telecom operator owns cable landing stations in Mumbai, Chennai, and Cochin?
- a) Vodafone
- b) Reliance Jio
- c) Tata Communications
- d) Bharti Airtel
- Answer: c) Tata Communications
- What is the primary mission of the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC)?
- a) To provide funding for submarine cable projects
- b) To enhance the security of undersea cables
- c) To regulate global cable operations
- d) To monitor cable traffic
- Answer: b) To enhance the security of undersea cables