Subsea cables: hidden backbone of global connectivity under threat

Submarine cables, stretching across nearly 1.5 million kilometres of the ocean floor, form the invisible backbone of the modern digital economy. These fibre-optic lines, lying beneath the seas, carry over 95% of global internet traffic, supporting financial transactions, cloud-based services, and critical infrastructure worldwide. Yet, despite their importance, the vast majority of internet traffic flows unnoticed by the public, with few understanding the vulnerabilities that exist beneath the waves.

The vital role of subsea cables was recently brought to the forefront following a series of disruptions in the Red Sea. Sabotage or accidents severed multiple cables, leading to service delays, surging latency, and disruptions in critical operations, The National points out.

Such incidents highlighted the fragility of global connectivity when key subsea chokepoints are compromised. According to the International Cable Protection Committee, "between 100 and 200 subsea cable incidents are reported each year," underscoring the exposure and frequency of such disruptions. When these cables are cut or damaged, the consequences ripple across economies, impacting everything from commerce to diplomacy.

The Red Sea, specifically the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, is a crucial node in the global maritime network. This narrow chokepoint not only facilitates the movement of goods but also handles significant portions of Europe–Asia data traffic. The importance of this region has made subsea cables a prime target for hostile actors, as "subsea cables offer precisely that profile" — high-value, low-visibility targets. If a major sabotage effort were to disrupt multiple cables in the area, it could lead to prolonged outages, financial delays, and a cascading disruption of global digital operations.

The repair of damaged subsea cables is a complex and time-consuming process. These cables can take weeks or even months to repair due to the specialised vessels, complex seabed recovery operations, splicing procedures, and global co-ordination involved.

Given the scale of the investment — new cable systems can cost between $200 million and $250 million — the financial stakes of safeguarding this infrastructure are immense. The growing number of incidents serves as a reminder of the urgent need for stronger protective measures, not only to secure the physical cables but also to safeguard the digital economy.

Recent events in the Red Sea have exposed the vulnerabilities of this crucial infrastructure, demanding increased attention to subsea cable protection within maritime security frameworks. The UK's recent parliamentary report states that subsea cables should no longer be viewed as mere telecom infrastructure, but as a frontline national security concern, The National writes. Protecting these cables is no longer a matter of safeguarding commercial utilities but ensuring national and regional security.

To address these risks, experts suggest a multifaceted approach: investment in route redundancy, enhanced monitoring technologies, and greater collaboration between public and private sectors. The integration of early-warning systems, AI-powered analytics, and real-time monitoring can offer additional layers of protection. However, the real challenge lies in fostering international collaboration. Governments, private operators, and global bodies must work together to create robust frameworks for protecting subsea cables before the next disruption strikes.

 These cables are no longer just conduits for data; they are strategic assets integral to global connectivity, and should be treated with the same level of protection as shipping lanes or energy corridors. 

By Sabina Mammadli