Technology
Undersea cables carry bulk of global internet traffic as tech firms expand ownership
An overview of international telecommunications infrastructure highlights the high costs, physical scale, and shifting ownership of undersea fibre routes.
The short version
- Approximately 1.5 million kilometres of undersea fibre-optic cables serve as the primary conduit for global internet data.
- Manufacturing and laying of these networks remain concentrated among four major global suppliers.
- Major technology companies like Google are increasingly leading cable investments once dominated by traditional telecom carriers.
- Operational challenges persist, with 150 to 200 faults occurring annually, mostly caused by fishing gear and ship anchors.
Key facts
- Roughly 1.5 million kilometres of undersea fibre-optic cables handle the vast majority of international internet data rather than satellites.[Hacker News]
- Four main companies manufacture and install the majority of the world's submarine cables: SubCom, Alcatel Submarine Networks, NEC, and HMN Technologies.[Hacker News]
- Subsea cables feature hair-thin glass fibres powered by a copper conductor delivering 3,000 to 15,000 volts of direct current to optical repeaters every 50 to 80 kilometres.[Hacker News]
- Deployment costs typically range around 250 million USD for transatlantic systems and up to 400 million USD for trans-Pacific routes.[Hacker News]
- Submarine cables have an expected operational lifespan of 20 to 25 years and suffer 150 to 200 faults each year, primarily from maritime activity like fishing and anchors.[Hacker News]
- According to TeleGeography data, Google holds ownership stakes in more submarine cables than any legacy telecommunications carrier.[Hacker News]
Sources
- The Cables That Connect the WorldHacker News