The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Only 15 known underwater internet cables connect Australia to the world – and they’re under threat from fishing boats, spies and natural disasters

  • Written by Cynthia Mehboob, PhD Scholar in Department of International Relations, Australian National University
Only 15 known underwater internet cables connect Australia to the world – and they’re under threat from fishing boats, spies and natural disasters

The Australian government this week[1] announced it would spend A$18 million over four years on a new centre aimed at keeping safe the undersea cables that power the nation’s internet.

The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre is tasked with protecting the critical undersea telecommunications cables throughout the Indo-Pacific region from deliberate interference from malicious actors, or accidental damage.

This is a crucial undertaking. The internet directly contributes $167 billion[2] or more a year to the Australian economy. These cables enable everything from mundane social media updates to the colossal transactions that drive the global economy.

But what is driving Australia’s urgency to better protect these crucial cables now?

The backbone of the internet

Undersea telecommunications cables are laid on the ocean floor at depths down to 8,000 metres. They trace their origins back to the mid-19th century, driven by business interests[3] and the need for imperial control[4].

The British Empire invested in these cables to connect and control its distant territories. In fact, they were referred to as the “nervous system of the British Empire[5]”.

The first transatlantic cable in 1858[6] demonstrated the potential for rapid communication between continents. This revolutionised business and governance.

Undersea cables connecting Europe and America.
Map of the first Transatlantic submarine cable. Howe's Adventures & Achievements of Americans/Wikimedia Commons[7]

These cables are typically no wider than a garden hose. They contain optical fibres wrapped in a thick layer of plastic for protection. They can transmit data from one end of the cable to the other at speeds of up to[8] 300 terabits per second.

For context, 20 terabits per second can stream approximately 793,000 ultra-high-definition movies at the same time. With a capacity of 300 terabits per second, the possibilities for handling digital data are virtually limitless.

There are currently around 1.4 million[9] kilometres of submarine cables in service globally. Only 15 known international cables[10] manage 99%[11] of Australia’s data traffic.

What will the new centre do?

The new centre will provide technical assistance and training across the Indo-Pacific. It will also support other governments in the region to develop better policy regarding undersea cables.

This continues Australia’s longstanding commitment to protecting undersea cables from threats such as accidental damage by fishing activities[12] or attacks by malicious actors, including both state and non-state entities[13].

Map of undersea internet cables near Australia International submarine cables connecting Australia. ACMA[14]

In 2011, Australia was the first country[15] to join the International Cable Protection Committee (which works to improve the security of undersea cables).

Australia has designated protection zones and stringent regulations for undersea cables. Other countries and industry bodies[16] see this as the gold standard[17].

Australia has established the new Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre to address vulnerabilities posed by its growing dependency on the internet.

But global techno-political developments have also played a significant part.

New threats

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the defining feature of the United States-China competition for technological dominance. And we have access to internet based AI tools because of undersea cables[18].

Breakthroughs in AI also could revolutionise productivity, industry and innovation. AI is already being used in medical research, diagnosis, banking and to streamline workflows. And the defence sector is growing increasingly reliant on AI[19] for data analysis and advanced weaponry.

This further underscores the urgent need for robust data protection – which includes keeping undersea cables safe.

So the new Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre is not merely an economic necessity. It is also crucial to national security. It allows Australia to position itself as a key digital security provider in the region.

Nuance is needed

But the specialised nature of undersea cable technology requires a nuanced approach.

Though staffed by Australian public servants, the new centre’s success hinges on close collaboration with private sector experts experienced in manufacturing, laying and monitoring cables.

This partnership is crucial for addressing physical and digital vulnerabilities, while navigating complex industry and geopolitical dynamics.

The dominance of tech giants such as Google and Amazon is another complicating factor. They control more than 20% of new subsea cable installations[20] in the cable industry.

The government’s new centre must balance national interest with industry control to avoid power concentration. This is particularly crucial as big tech grows more influential.

The government has said the new centre is an important contribution to Quad[21]– a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan and the US. But the centre will need to engage with other international partners, too.

For example, Australia can learn from countries such as Singapore, which has ambitious cable management strategies. These include plans to double Singapore’s cable network by 2033[22].

Engaging with countries beyond Quad will also bolster Australia’s digital infrastructure resilience.

A new way forward

The newly announced Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre heralds a shift in Australia’s approach to digital infrastructure security.

Historically, Australia has taken a confrontational stance towards containing Chinese tech. This is exemplified by its 2016 rejection of Huawei’s bid to build the Coral Sea Cable[23], citing national security concerns.

However, the fact the new centre sits within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade signifies a transition towards a more diplomatic approach.

It reflects Australia’s intent to mitigate China’s influence over subsea infrastructure, AI and technology standards while balancing national security with diplomatic engagement.

Will it work? Only time will tell. But the shift from confrontation to diplomacy is a welcome development. It will likely help Australia navigate an increasingly complex global technological landscape.

References

  1. ^ this week (www.foreignminister.gov.au)
  2. ^ $167 billion (techcouncil.com.au)
  3. ^ business interests (www.sciencemuseum.org.uk)
  4. ^ imperial control (www.tandfonline.com)
  5. ^ nervous system of the British Empire (notevenpast.org)
  6. ^ first transatlantic cable in 1858 (spectrum.ieee.org)
  7. ^ Howe's Adventures & Achievements of Americans/Wikimedia Commons (en.wikipedia.org)
  8. ^ up to (emag.directindustry.com)
  9. ^ 1.4 million (www2.telegeography.com)
  10. ^ 15 known international cables (www.acma.gov.au)
  11. ^ 99% (www.9news.com.au)
  12. ^ accidental damage by fishing activities (www.iscpc.org)
  13. ^ state and non-state entities (www.cyber.gov.au)
  14. ^ ACMA (www.acma.gov.au)
  15. ^ first country (www.aph.gov.au)
  16. ^ countries and industry bodies (www.aph.gov.au)
  17. ^ gold standard (www.aspi.org.au)
  18. ^ undersea cables (www.datacenterdynamics.com)
  19. ^ reliant on AI (www.tandfonline.com)
  20. ^ cable installations (home.cib.natixis.com)
  21. ^ Quad (www.dfat.gov.au)
  22. ^ by 2033 (thediplomat.com)
  23. ^ build the Coral Sea Cable (www.reuters.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/only-15-known-underwater-internet-cables-connect-australia-to-the-world-and-theyre-under-threat-from-fishing-boats-spies-and-natural-disasters-235772

The Times Features

Airbnb unveils hidden wine regions to explore across Australia

Ahead of Easter, Airbnb launches Hidden Vines - the ultimate grape escape guide - as new data reveals travellers are keen to uncover lesser-known regions and revisit old favour...

Why 20% of workers don't feel safe in their workplace

80% OF AUSTRALIAN WORKERS FEEL THEIR COMPANY PRIORITISES HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE, BUT WHY NOT 100%? COS shares innovative solutions to keep staff healthy, safe and...

Cardio and strength training boost health as you age. But don’t forget balance exercises to reduce your chance of falls

We all recognise the benefits of regular aerobic or cardiovascular exercise to support our heart and lung health. Being active is also good for our social and mental health. ...

Riding in Style: Must-Have Bogs Gumboots for Equestrians

Key Highlights Bogs Gumboots offer superior comfort, durability, and waterproof protection, making them ideal for the demanding conditions of equestrian life. Their contoured...

How to Tell If You Need a New Roof in Melbourne Due to Leaks

Picture waking up in the early hours of the morning to the sound of mellow drips at your home, heralding the tremendous downpour of the previous night. As you look above, you not...

Rise of the Grey WoMad: Older Women Travelling Solo

Older Australian women are increasingly ditching their families and choosing to travel solo creating a new type of traveller known as the ‘Grey WoMad’. Budget travel platform ...

Times Magazine

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

LayBy Shopping