Global leaders and technology companies are stepping up efforts to safeguard over 1.7 million kilometers of submarine cables, the critical infrastructure that underpins digital connectivity worldwide. These underwater networks carry internet, cloud services, and AI data for countries, businesses, and individuals, yet remain vulnerable to damage from human activity, natural hazards, and equipment failures.
To strengthen resilience, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) have joined forces. In 2024, they helped establish the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience, co-led by Nigeria and Portugal, with 42 members from governments, operators, and the cable industry. The body’s mission is clear: improve cable protection, accelerate repairs, mitigate risks, increase redundancy, and share global best practices.
The first Submarine Cable Resilience Summit, held in Abuja, Nigeria, in early 2025, showcased the importance of cross-border collaboration. The second summit, scheduled for 1–2 February in Porto, Portugal, aims to move from discussion to concrete action, reinforcing collective responsibility for these vital digital lifelines.
Submarine cables experience approximately 200 faults annually, with over 80% caused by fishing and anchoring, while natural hazards and technical failures account for the rest. The expansion of cable networks and rising demand for AI, cloud services, and industrial applications has made maintaining connectivity more critical than ever.
The Advisory Body emphasizes practical cooperation between governments, private operators, and international organizations to streamline repairs, diversify cable routes, improve information-sharing, and support countries vulnerable to single points of failure. Challenges such as regulatory barriers, limited repair vessel availability, and strategic risk zones like the Red Sea underscore the need for coordinated global action.
The upcoming Porto summit seeks to turn strategy into action, demonstrating the urgent need to protect the backbone of the world’s digital economy and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for billions of users worldwide.
