Recent years have witnessed cyberattacks targeting submarine cables and geopolitical tensions impacting cable routes, illustrating the complex landscape companies must navigate. In the United States, submarine cables require FCC licensing and undergo national security reviews by Team Telecom, which assesses security risks and the influence of foreign governments on the project applicants. These procedures can impose mitigation measures or, in some cases, lead to the revocation of licenses based on security concerns. This has led to reconfigurations of planned submarine cable routes, particularly those involving Hong Kong, due to security apprehensions.

Similarly, the European Union is moving towards enhancing the security of its submarine cable infrastructure to prevent adversaries from controlling these crucial networks, suggesting a global trend towards securing these vital assets.

To mitigate the risks associated with sanctions and national security, companies involved in submarine cable projects are advised to conduct thorough due diligence, agree on common sanctions frameworks, and explore alternative arrangements like obtaining capacity from a single consortium member. This proactive approach is crucial for ensuring the viability and success of international submarine cable systems amidst an increasingly complex and security-conscious global environment.

For more detailed discussions on the importance of submarine cables and the challenges they face in the current geopolitical climate, interested readers should explore sources that delve into the intricacies of these issues, providing a comprehensive overview of the submarine telecommunications industry and its future prospects.

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