Mains Syllabus: GS III - Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why in news?

India is expanding its subsea cable network, with the latest addition being Airtel’s 2 Africa Pearls system, supported by Meta, to enhance international bandwidth.

How do they connect internet networks globally?

• Undersea cables – These are fiber optic cables laid on the ocean floor to transmit vast amounts of data.

• Typically, they are a few inches thick, reinforced to withstand deep-sea pressures and hazards.
• They connect to ‘landing stations’ where they integrate into terrestrial internet infrastructure.

After William Cooke and Charles Wheatstone had introduced their working telegraph in 1839, the idea of a submarine line across the Atlantic Ocean began to be thought of as a possible triumph of the future.

In August 1850, John Watkins Brett's English Channel Submarine Telegraph Company laid the first line across the English Channel.

• Global internet connectivity - With almost 600 cables , they transmit data between continents, linking internet service providers and telecom operators worldwide facilitating global communication and internet connectivity.

• Global Network - This global network of undersea cables, spans the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as strategic passages like the Suez Canal.

• Transmission capacity - Each modern cable has several hundred gigabits per second of capacity, and can support thousands of telecom users.
• Significance - They enable high-speed data transfer, supporting economic, security, and technological activities.
• 90% of data, 80% of world trade, and about $10 trillion of financial transactions, as well as secure government information, move through these cables.

What are the challenges in laying undersea cables in India?

• Limited infrastructure - Only two major landing sites (Mumbai and Chennai) are in India and this create bottlenecks.
• A disruption in one location (e.g., Red Sea cable cuts) can significantly impact internet services.
• Regulatory delays - Laying cables requires approvals from multiple authorities (DoT, Home Ministry, Environment Ministry, etc.) which causes delays.
• Foreign repair vessels need permission to operate, slowing down maintenance.
• Geopolitical risks - Strategic locations such as the Red Sea are vulnerable to conflicts, piracy and disruptions.
• If there is a disruption at the Red Sea, it brings down almost 25% of India’s Internet in our estimate.
• High costs & maintenance issues - Deploying and maintaining cables involves high costs.
• India lacks adequate repair and maintenance facilities, leading to longer restoration times.
• Vulnerabilities & risks - India’s internet is highly dependent on a few landing stations, making it prone to disruptions.

What can be done to strengthen India’s subsea cable network?

• India’s undersea cable network is vital for its digital economy.
• Strengthening infrastructure, streamlining regulations and increasing investments will enhance connectivity, security and resilience in the face of global disruptions.
• Expanding infrastructure - More landing stations can be developed across coastal cities.
• Regulatory reforms - Approval processes can be simplified for laying cables and maintenance.
• Enhancing security & redundancy - Cybersecurity measures can be strengthened to prevent sabotage.
• Public-Private Partnership & investments - Collaborations with global tech firms and telecom companies can be enhanced to attract technology and investment in the sector.

Reference

The Hindu | Undersea cables in India