The internet is often perceived as a vast, intangible "cloud," but its backbone is very much physical—a global network of underwater sea cables. These submarine cables form a hidden yet critical infrastructure, carrying over 95% of international data traffic and connecting continents in ways we rarely think about.
From powering video calls to enabling global financial systems, submarine cables are the unseen heroes of modern life. Let’s explore some key examples of these cables across India, China, Russia, the USA, Europe, and Africa, and understand their importance in the global digital ecosystem.
What Are Underwater Sea Cables?
Underwater sea cables are fiber-optic cables laid on the seabed to transmit data as pulses of light. Protected by multiple layers of steel, plastic, and other materials, these cables withstand extreme oceanic pressures and hazards to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity. Their impact is unparalleled—every email, video call, or financial transaction relies on these cables for swift global communication.
Key Examples of Submarine Cables Around the World
India is a key hub in the global submarine cable network, with its strategic location bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- India-Asia-Xpress (IAX): Route: Connects India to Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. Owner: Reliance Jio. Purpose: Provides low-latency connectivity for India’s growing data consumption.
- Bay of Bengal Gateway (BBG): Route: Links India with Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Oman, and the UAE. Consortium: Includes Tata Communications and other telecom providers. Significance: Supports the high data demand of South Asia.
- SEA-ME-WE 6: Route: Spans Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Western Europe with landing points in India. Consortium: Bharti Airtel and global telecom partners. Purpose: Enhances India’s international connectivity.
China’s rapid digital growth has made it a leader in submarine cable development.
- Asia Pacific Gateway (APG): Route: Connects China to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Consortium: Includes China Telecom and China Unicom. Purpose: Serves China’s data-intensive applications and trade.
- NCP (New Cross Pacific): Route: Links China with Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and the U.S. Consortium: China Mobile, China Telecom, and other players. Significance: Provides high-capacity data transfer across the Pacific.
- China-U.S. Cable Network (CHUS): Route: Connects mainland China to the U.S. Purpose: Supports global trade and communication between two of the world’s largest economies.
Russia’s strategic location across Europe and Asia places it at the center of several critical submarine cable projects:
- Polar Express (Planned): Route: Connects Russia’s Arctic coastline to Japan and Europe through the Arctic Ocean. Purpose: Offers low-latency routes for intercontinental data transfer.
- Europe-Russia-Asia (ERA): Route: Connects Europe and Asia via Russia. Purpose: Strengthens Russia’s role as a bridge in the global data network.
As a global technology leader, the U.S. is home to some of the world’s most advanced submarine cable systems.
- Dunant: Route: Connects Virginia, USA, to France. Owner: Google. Capacity: 250 Tbps (a record-breaking transatlantic cable).
- MAREA: Route: Links Virginia, USA, to Bilbao, Spain. Owners: Microsoft, Meta (Facebook), Telxius. Purpose: Supports high-speed cloud services between the U.S. and Europe.
- JUPITER: Route: Connects the U.S. to Japan and the Philippines. Consortium: Amazon, Meta, and regional operators. Significance: Serves Asia-Pacific’s growing digital demand.
Europe is a critical landing zone for several transcontinental cables.
- Amitié: Route: Connects the U.S., the U.K., and France. Owners: Meta, Microsoft, and Aqua Comms. Purpose: Enhances transatlantic bandwidth for Europe’s data needs.
- SEA-ME-WE 5: Route: Links Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Significance: Plays a vital role in Europe’s connectivity with Asia.
Africa’s connectivity has been transformed by recent submarine cable investments:
- 2Africa: Route: Encircles Africa with links to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Consortium: Meta, Vodafone, MTN, Orange, and others. Capacity: 180 Tbps, one of the world’s largest cables. Purpose: Expands internet access across underserved regions.
- WACS (West Africa Cable System): Route: Connects South Africa to Europe, with stops in several West African countries. Consortium: Includes African and international telecom companies.
- EASSy (Eastern Africa Submarine System): Route: Links East Africa with Europe and Asia. Significance: Drives economic growth and connectivity in East Africa.
Submarine cables are built through partnerships between tech giants, telecom companies, and manufacturers. Key players include:
- Tech Companies: Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon heavily invest in submarine cables for their cloud services.
- Telecom Providers: Tata Communications (India), China Telecom (China), and MTN (Africa) play crucial roles.
- Manufacturers: Companies like SubCom, NEC, and Alcatel Submarine Networks lead in designing and deploying cables.
Challenges of Underwater Cables
- Physical Damage: Cables are vulnerable to anchors, fishing nets, and natural disasters.
- Security Concerns: With geopolitical tensions, data tapping and sabotage are risks.
- Environmental Impact: While minimal, laying cables can disrupt marine ecosystems.
Satellites vs. Submarine Cables
Although satellites support remote connectivity, they cannot match the capacity and speed of submarine cables. For instance, a single cable like Dunant can transmit more data in a second than hundreds of satellites combined.
The Future of Submarine Cables
As the demand for internet grows, submarine cables are evolving:
- Higher Capacities: Modern cables like Dunant (250 Tbps) are setting new standards.
- New Routes: Projects like Polar Express in Russia and 2Africa are bringing connectivity to new regions.
- Sustainability: Companies are exploring eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact.
Conclusion: The Internet’s Hidden Lifeline
From India to Africa, China to Europe, and Russia to the USA, submarine cables power the global internet, enabling us to connect, innovate, and grow. These cables are more than infrastructure—they’re the invisible lifelines of the modern world.
As the internet continues to expand, the importance of this hidden backbone will only grow. So, the next time you stream a movie or make a call, take a moment to appreciate the incredible engineering beneath the waves.
