GOOD PRACTICES FOR SUBSEA CABLE POLICY : Taking Action To Achieve Digital Inclusion

BY SONIA JORGE, EVELYN NAMARA, AND TAHANI IQBAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

In our interconnected world, access to the internet is not just a convenience; it's a necessity for economic growth, social advancement, and empowerment. However, the digital divide remains a stark reality, where access to this vital resource is unevenly distributed. A significant barrier to closing this gap lies in the infrastructure disparity, notably the shortage of subsea cable connectivity in underrepresented regions.

Subsea cables, the internet's backbone, carry approximately 95% of global internet traffic, making them indispensable for digital inclusion. Despite a rise in submarine cable projects, more efforts are required to connect less-served areas, especially in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Enhancing subsea cable infrastructure is pivotal for promoting digital transformation and ensuring equitable internet access.

The Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP) has outlined a policy brief, “Good Practices for Subsea Cables Policy: Investing in Digital Inclusion,” spotlighting the need for regulatory action in competition, innovation, and infrastructure maintenance to achieve digital equity.

Key Recommendations for Subsea Cable Policy:

1. Encourage Competition and Innovation: Open access to subsea cable landing stations is essential for fostering service provider competition, leading to better and more affordable services. Examples from Peru and the EU highlight the benefits of removing investment barriers and simplifying regulations.
2. Regulatory Certainty and Efficient Permitting: Clear and efficient permitting for cable deployment attracts investment by reducing bureaucratic delays. Singapore and France's nationally coordinated approaches serve as exemplary models for supporting large-scale infrastructure projects.
3. Protect and Repair Subsea Cables Promptly: Regulations must ensure cables are protected from damage and repairs are conducted swiftly to maintain network stability. The case of Tonga's extended internet outage underscores the importance of redundancy and the effectiveness of protective measures like those in Colombia and Australia.

Moving Forward:

Addressing the digital divide requires a collective effort to implement policies that encourage subsea cable development. By fostering an environment of competition, ensuring regulatory clarity, and protecting infrastructure, we can leverage subsea cables as a powerful tool for digital inclusion.

The GDIP's policy brief is a call to action for policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and the global community to work together towards a digitally inclusive future. For more insights and detailed recommendations, visit GDIP's website.

Conclusion:

Investing in subsea cables is an investment in our collective digital future. It's about empowering communities, sparking innovation, and driving sustainable development worldwide. Let's commit to policies that not only expand our digital infrastructure but also ensure that the internet's boundless opportunities are accessible to all.

To read the complete article, check out Issue 135 of the Sub Tel Forum Magazine here