Invisible. Hidden. Yet more and more vital for human societies. The submarine cables have become the main vehicle where the information of the globe travel. Over 95% of world internet traffic transits you. But not only; Thanks to these infrastructures it is possible to perform actions that concern the daily life of each of us. From the use of the broadband connection to financial transactions. Everything is faster. We don’t see the cables, it is true, but you cannot close your eyes in the face of the critical issues they involve. They are the lifeblood of the modern era. And so we are dependent on it. As reported by the Center for Strategic & International Studies, US Think Tank, “Governments rely on these infrastructures for their communications, especially military types”. However, it is private companies that play the role of Dominus. They are the ones who manage most of the production, implementation and maintenance of this precious sector. And for the future this trend will only increase.
A few days ago the digital giant Meta announced an important novelty. On site there is the construction of the longest submarine cable in the world. The idea is ambitious. Connect the United States to India, Brazil, up to South Africa and other regions. It is the Waterworth project: a 50 thousand kilometer infrastructure with a revolutionary flavor. “It will allow greater economic cooperation, will facilitate digital inclusion and open opportunities for technological development in these regions” said Meta. He continues with satisfied tone: “He will help accelerate progress and support the ambitious new Delhi plans for his economy”. The realization should be completed “towards the end of this decade”. From a technical point of view, a system of 24 fiber couples will be used. Just think that most submarine cables range from 8 to 16 couples. Translated: more ability and greater possibility of supporting artificial intelligence programs. But it doesn’t end there. The intention is to lay the infrastructure at 7 thousand meters deep, using “advanced burial” methods. The tech giant wants to avoid unwanted damage at any cost.
And here we get to the main question. Or the extreme fragility of submarine cables. Every year there are up to 200 faults due to commercial fishing, the anchors of ships or caused by natural events. In the last period, then, a real geopolitical dispute was unleashed on the question. One thing is certain: the war of the future, less and less conventional, will also concern this type of infrastructure. A month ago NATO has launched a new mission in the Baltic Sea. Decision taken following a series of attacks and sabotages that occurred in that area. The suspicion is that behind these initiatives there is the long manus of the Kremlin. “It will work like a security camera,” said commander Erik Kockx. Who concluded in a peremptory way: “Any ship that leaves St. Petersburg will know he is followed. And if that ship plans to take illegal actions, it will take care twice. ” The tension continues to remain high. While waiting for the development of negotiations on the Ukrainian front, one thing is certain: solutions must be studied and thought to better protect cables. It should be talked about greater resilience. But how will it be possible? Also the Center for Strategic & International Studies offers solutions. For the future it will be essential to increase the sharing of intelligence between the allies, even bilaterally. And the same private companies should implement their safety standards. Coordinated planning in the event of an emergency would also be useful. In order to guarantee a quick response in crisis contexts. We will see how the situation will evolve.
