
Beyond Global Waves
Undersea Cables: A Silent Threat to Global Connectivity
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This episode of Beyond Global Waves explores the increasing vulnerability of the world’s critical communication infrastructure. Undersea cables, which carry over 95% of international data, are susceptible to accidental damage and deliberate sabotage. A recent incident on 26th January 2025 saw a submarine optical fibre cable belonging to the Latvia State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) damaged in the Baltic Sea, causing disruptions to data transmission. Additionally, the Russian vessel Yantar was detected near critical communication infrastructure in the Irish Sea in late 2024, highlighting geopolitical risks and the potential for hybrid warfare tactics aimed at disrupting global stability. These events underscore the fragile nature of our interconnected world and the importance of protecting these vital links.
While satellite internet systems like Starlink are often suggested as alternatives, they are not a complete solution. Current satellite infrastructure cannot handle the bandwidth demands of the global internet, and satellite systems are vulnerable to attack. Electronic warfare capabilities, such as GPS jamming and spoofing, pose significant threats. In 2017, during the Zapad military exercises, Latvia experienced a major cellular network outage and aircraft over Norway reported a complete loss of GPS signals, demonstrating the effectiveness of these tactics. These incidents highlight how easily communication networks can be disrupted by both physical damage and electronic interference.
Ultimately, our communication infrastructure, both above and below the sea, needs greater resilience. International cooperation, increased monitoring and surveillance, and investment in new technologies and basic security measures are essential to protecting these vital connections. The events discussed in this episode emphasize that safeguarding these essential networks is crucial for maintaining global stability and connectivity.
Undersea Cables: A Silent Threat to Global Connectivity was last modified: January 27th, 2025 by NEXUS-IBA Editor
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