A group of major European telecoms, including Vodafone and Orange, urges urgent EU, UK, and NATO action to protect subsea cables amid rising hybrid threats. Citing recent incidents and geopolitical tensions, the coalition supports enhanced cross-border collaboration and the EU’s Cable Security Action Plan to safeguard Europe’s connectivity.
The ambitious InSEA project, led by Italy’s INGV and financially backed by the Italian Ministry of Research, leverages traditional telecom cables for environmental monitoring, without compromising data quality. By integrating sensors into vast 21km cables and repeater housings, a remarkable SMART cable system was born. Despite deployment challenges, the use of advanced sensors ensured successful implementation. Initial data hints at successful system functioning, prompting anticipation for a comprehensive analysis following the monitoring phase.
Bridging the gap between past and future, the Cayman Islands are preparing to modernise their underwater cable system, crucial for their international data traffic. Despite serving admirably for decades, the two existing cables are nearing their operational longevity. As such, a $1.69 million partnership with CMC aims to overhaul connectivity, counting on expertise from firms like WFN Strategies and SBM International.
Geopolitical tensions challenge subsea cable projects, as governments prioritize security of critical infrastructure. Despite obstacles, the industry innovates with emerging technologies like multicore fiber to meet soaring connectivity demands.
The SHEFA-2 underwater cable, which connects the Faroe Islands to Scotland’s mainland through the Shetland and Orkney Islands, suffered damage in two separate instances last week, rendering much of the island without Internet access. In separate events, three critical subsea cables linking Marseille to Lyon, Milan and Barcelona were deliberately severed in the south of France, according to the cable’s operator, affecting internet service for consumers in Europe, Asia and the United States. Cloud service providers worked quickly to repair the backbone infrastructure. According to a report by the cloud security company Zscaler, the unanticipated cable damage caused packet loss and increased latency for websites and apps transiting the damaged pathways. While the French authorities believe sabotage occurred, their Scottish colleagues are still unsure of what actually severed the wires. “We expect it will be fishing vessels that damaged the cable but it is very rare…
Taara has teamed up with Digicomm International to accelerate deployment of its Lightbridge technology, which delivers fiber-grade internet through the air. With speeds up to 20 Gbps over long distances, this solution targets hard-to-wire areas, enhancing digital access for communities and businesses while expanding Taara’s reach.
EXA Infrastructure is boosting its global fiber capacity by 15% with Nokia’s cutting-edge optical solution, offering 1.2 Tbps per channel. This upgrade in EXA’s fiber network, spanning 155,000 kilometers, enhances connectivity, reduces power usage by 50%, and supports both terrestrial and subsea networks.
The Philippines introduces VITRO Sta. Rosa, the first GPU-powered, AI-focused hyperscale data center, marking its digital infrastructure leap. Offering GPU as a Service, VSR supports AI-driven transformation, attracting tech enterprises with its robust, secure services.
FiberLight is expanding its Virginia footprint by acquiring Metro Fiber Networks, enhancing connections between Richmond and Virginia Beach. The move strengthens its ability to support hyperscale data centers, government, and educational clients.
Chunghwa Telecom is partnering with Astranis to launch Taiwan’s first dedicated geostationary satellite, enhancing national connectivity and infrastructure resilience. Scheduled for deployment by 2025, the project is part of a larger satellite program and reflects Taiwan’s commitment to secure communication systems.
