Chinese engineers have developed technology to sever undersea communication cables, sparking concerns over potential sabotage. Patents for devices intended to cut cables, including one by Lishui University, suggest a cost-effective method for disruption.
The ITU and ICPC have united to create an advisory body focused on boosting submarine cable resilience. This critical initiative addresses vulnerabilities of cables that manage 99% of global data transfers, facing threats like damage and sabotage.
Sparkle, an international service provider, and Airtel Business have partnered to enhance VoIP connectivity between Asia and Europe via the Blue & Raman Submarine Cable Systems. This strategic agreement promises to diversify and expand global network capacity, catering to increasing data demands and ensuring seamless VoIP services for businesses and consumers.
Telkomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin) teams up with BW Digital to develop the Nongsa-Changi submarine cable system, enhancing connectivity between Batam and Singapore. This strategic alliance aims to support digital economic growth with robust, reliable links for high-density AI applications. Completion is expected by Q4 2025, marking a significant milestone in regional digital infrastructure.
At the Submarine Networks EMEA Conference in London, IOEMA Fibre introduced a new submarine cable that will link key markets across Northern Europe. The 1,400km cable, equipped with repeaters, will connect the UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Norway.
Sparkle, Italy’s leading international service provider, has successfully landed its BlueMed submarine cable in Chania, Crete. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence in Athens, attended by key figures including Paolo Cuculi, the Italian Ambassador, and Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance.
Countries across East and Southern Africa are grappling with a widespread internet outage caused by faults in several submarine cables. According to Cloudflare Radar, which tracks internet disruptions, Tanzania is among the hardest hit, experiencing a significant drop in internet traffic to only 30% of its normal levels.
Google’s ambitious $1 billion investment, partnered with NEC, aims to redefine digital connectivity between the United States and Japan through two subsea cables. As part of the Japan Digitization Initiative, these advancements promise not only improved data routes, but also crucial geopolitical advantages.
In response to the soaring global demand for fast, secure connectivity, China Mobile International Limited (CMI) is significantly investing in four new submarine cable systems. These systems promise to robustly service the substantial growth in mobile data usage in quickly digitising regions such as Africa. However, as aging cables become outdated, the race is on for fresh investment to keep pace with customer needs and the rapid development of next-gen technologies.
EllaLink has been selected by French Guiana’s SPLANG to construct an 8,000 km submarine link, a pioneering step towards direct, high-capacity connectivity between Latin America and Europe. This commendable feat also includes the addition of a 2,100 km cable extension, further broadening the EllaLink network. Embracing cutting-edge technology, such as the ROADM WSS branching unit, the extended network ensures direct and speedy connectivity from French Guiana to Europe, with an RTD latency of under 80 ms.
