International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

The International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience was recently launched to address growing challenges and ensure the resilience of critical submarine cable infrastructure.

About International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

• Jointly Launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) collaborated to launch this initiative.
•  Aim: To strengthen the resilience of submarine cables, which are essential for the global digital economy.
• Members: Composed of 40 members from around the world, including ministers, heads of regulatory authorities, and senior telecommunications experts.
  • Nigeria and Portugal are serving as co-chairs for this body.
• Meeting Schedule: The advisory body will convene bi-annually to discuss international policies, infrastructure, and best practices for submarine cable resilience.
• Functions:
  • Promote best practices across governments and industries to enhance cable resilience, minimize damage risks, and ensure swift repair and deployment of cables.
  • Leverage the collective expertise of members to address the needs of stakeholders whose livelihoods depend on submarine cables.
  • Provide strategic guidance to tackle challenges such as increasing traffic, aging infrastructure, and environmental threats to submarine cables.

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About Submarine Cables

• Submarine cables are fiber optic cables laid under the ocean that connect two or more landing points.
• It facilitates essential services like:
  • International commerce and trade
  • Global financial transactions
  • International communication and collaboration
  • Internet connectivity

• Economic Growth: Facilitates economic growth and development, especially for remote and island nations.
• Geopolitical Significance: Can influence geopolitical strategies and relationships between countries.
• These cables handle over 99% of international data exchange, enabling vital services such as global commerce and financial transactions.
• Global Submarine Cable Network: As of 2024, there are over 600 active submarine cables worldwide.
  • These cables span over 1.4 million kilometers, connecting continents and countries.
  • The number of submarine cables continues to grow to meet the increasing demand for global connectivity.
• India’s Role in Submarine Cable Network: India hosts 17 international submarine cables across 14 landing stations, primarily in Mumbai and Chennai.
  • This positions India as a crucial hub for global data traffic.

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on information and communication technologies established in 1865.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Functions: Facilitates international connectivity, allocates global radio spectrum, and manages satellite orbits.
• Members: 194 countries, including India.

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International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC)

• The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) is a global organization dedicated to safeguarding international submarine telecommunications and power cables.
• Establishment: Founded in 1958, the ICPC was established to address the increasing vulnerability of submarine cables to various threats, including accidental damage and intentional sabotage.
• Headquarter: London, United Kingdom.
• Functions
• • Global Forum: The ICPC serves as a global platform for governments, cable operators, manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders to exchange information and collaborate on cable protection issues.
  • Technical Expertise: The organization provides technical expertise and best practices to mitigate risks to submarine cables, such as those posed by fishing activities, anchoring, and natural disasters.
  • Legal Framework: The ICPC promotes the development and enforcement of international laws and regulations to protect submarine cables.
  • Environmental Protection: The organization is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of cable installation and maintenance operations.
  • Public Awareness: The ICPC raises public awareness about the importance of submarine cables and the need to protect them.