In 2023, approximately 200 submarine cable failures were reported worldwide, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union.
Around 80% of these disruptions were attributed to natural hazards or human-related accidents, such as damage caused by boat anchors, noted ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas.
While data can often be rerouted through alternate cables, isolated regions face greater challenges. For instance, the Pacific island nation of Tonga was cut off for a month after a 2022 tsunami damaged its primary submarine cable.
To tackle these vulnerabilities, the International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience has been established, bringing together 40 experts from the public and private sectors. The group includes representatives from submarine cable operators, telecommunications firms, and government agencies.
A follow-up summit to address these issues and enhance global cable resilience is scheduled to take place in Nigeria in February.
