The Backbone of Global Connectivity: The Hidden World of Internet Cables Beneath the Sea

Tariq Bhatti is the Founder & CEO of Pension Pakistan, Editor of World Trade & Diplomacy Lens, Admin of Employment Exchange (a free job-hunting platform), and Author of books on Insurance & World Trade. Based in Islamabad, he is a recognized thought leader and global influencer in insurance, pension planning, international trade, diplomacy, and international law. With an MBA in Finance & International Business and a Master’s in International Trade Laws from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Pakistan, he brings 30+ years of expertise in management, marketing, sales, and client service excellence. A prolific writer, Tariq has answered over 2,000 questions on Quora, amassing 2 million+ views, demonstrating his global recognition and expertise in insurance, risk management, finance, marketing, international trade & diplomacy, and a variety of subjects of human interest.        

In today's hyper-connected world, where information flows at the speed of light, many assume that satellites play the primary role in global communication.

However, an astonishing 99% of all international data traffic, including internet, phone calls, and financial transactions, is actually transmitted through submarine cables laid beneath the ocean floor.

These undersea cables are the unseen arteries of the digital age, quietly powering our global economy and communications.

The Engineering Marvel of Submarine Cables

Submarine telecommunications cables are designed to withstand the immense pressures and harsh conditions of the deep sea. These cables are not merely thin wires stretching across the ocean; they are carefully engineered, multi-layered structures built for durability and longevity. A typical cross-section of a modern optical fiber submarine cable consists of:

1. Polyethylene: The outermost protective layer, designed to resist physical damage and environmental wear.
2. Mylar Tape: Provides additional insulation and prevents internal interference.
3. Steel Tensioners: Strengthens the cable to endure underwater stresses, including deep-sea pressure and fishing activities.
4. Aluminum Protection: Ensures waterproofing and guards against corrosion from seawater.
5. Polycarbonate: Enhances the cable’s durability and protection from external forces.
6. Aluminum Tube or Copper Layer: Shields the fiber optic core and helps in power transmission for repeaters.
7. Vaseline: Prevents moisture ingress and provides an additional protective barrier.
8. Optical Fibers: The core component responsible for transmitting data at high speeds using light pulses.

These cables are regularly maintained and, if necessary, replaced to ensure seamless connectivity. Despite their resilience, however, they are not immune to damage.

Vulnerabilities and Real-World Incidents of Cable Damage

While submarine cables are built to last, they face several threats, both natural and man-made. The primary causes of damage include fishing trawlers, ship anchors, earthquakes, and even deliberate sabotage.

1. Fishing and Anchoring: One of the most common causes of cable damage is accidental entanglement with fishing nets or ship anchors. In 2008, a ship’s anchor severed an undersea cable near Egypt, disrupting internet services across the Middle East and India.
2. Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and underwater landslides have also been responsible for breaking submarine cables. The 2006 Taiwan earthquake damaged multiple undersea cables, causing widespread communication disruptions across Asia.
3. Sabotage and Geopolitical Tensions: Given their strategic importance, undersea cables have been targeted for sabotage. In 2013, reports suggested that surveillance agencies had been tapping undersea cables for intelligence gathering.
4. Shark Attacks: Though rare, some cables have shown evidence of bite marks from sharks, possibly attracted by the electromagnetic fields they emit.

The Strategic Importance of Submarine Cables

The vast network of undersea cables forms a critical part of global infrastructure. Governments and corporations continuously invest in strengthening these networks to ensure security and redundancy. However, their vulnerability underscores the need for continuous monitoring and rapid repair capabilities.

As we move into an era of increasing digital dependence, the security and resilience of these cables remain paramount. With technological advancements, new materials and smarter monitoring systems are being deployed to safeguard this hidden yet essential network beneath our oceans.

Food For Thoughts

The next time you make a video call, send an email, or execute an international financial transaction, remember that your data is likely traveling thousands of miles beneath the ocean, through a fiber optic cable barely the width of a garden hose.

These silent, invisible workhorses keep the modern world connected, making them one of the most critical yet overlooked technological marvels of our time.