Subsea cables are a big deal, and they’re vital for business continuity
As of September 2024, 532 subsea cable systems were in operation across the globe, with another 77 on the way. The network has been in operation since 1850, with the steam-powered Goliath laying the first copper cable between Britain and France. The Times aptly described it as “more like a miracle than any scientific discovery or mechanical achievement of our time”.
It’s worth mentioning now that the cable was out of action immediately. A fisherman had reportedly caught the cable with their anchor and cut it free. That detail will be important later.
You can spend hours staring and studying the extensive TeleGeography Submarine Cable Map. One can get lost amongst the sprawling network running beneath the waves. This global infrastructural marvel carries 99% of international data.
Our reliance on subsea cables
The ‘blue economy’ can be defined as ‘all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts’. Subsea cables are a vital part of that economic infrastructure, which has an estimated worth of $1.5 trillion. The data carried by these cables are fuelling rapid expansion in a developing digital-centric economy.
Cloud-based phone systems are being adopted at scale. A growing demand for initiatives, such as edge computing and the Internet of Things, means that data must keep flowing. That same network is also comprised of cables transporting renewable energy sources to consumers right across the power grid.
Like we said, they’re a big deal, but are at the mercy to a variety of dangers.
Cable damage in the 21st century
How often do you think of subsea cable damage?
Nowadays, the news is frequented with stories on subsea cable damage and the threat to communication continuance. Usually, an ‘Occam’s razor’ principle can be applied to these situations, but there’s always cause for concern. As outlined in the Submarine Telegraph Act 1885, those found to have ‘[injured]’ a subsea cable face a stint behind bars.
State-sponsored attacks on these cables have been in existence since the 19th century and the short-lived Spanish-American War of 1898. The USS Marblehead and Nashville’s successfully sabotaged the cables in the port of Cienfuegos, severing communications between Cuba and Spain.
It set a precedent on how these cables were valid targets in times of war.
Some commentators can point the finger at these hostile entities, the main culprits are anchors and fishing gear (said that earlier detail was important). Throw in natural disasters, abrasion and general equipment failure, and there are plenty of threats to the subsea cable network.
So, what exactly is the right response when the subsea cable network is compromised? How can the powers that be guarantee business continuity?
That’s what the EC-RRG set out to find out.
Government and telecoms unite
Established in 2002, the Electronic Communications Resilience and Response Group (EC-RRG) is a joint industry-government forum representing all elements of communications services to promote resilience across the sector.
It brings together providers of fixed line services, mobile telephone networks, internet broadband and broadcasting together with government departments, Devolved Administrations and Ofcom.
Each year, the forum comes together and simulate an industry-wide crisis management exercise. Gamma has been a part of the EC-RRG for over a year now, with Head of Business Resilience Management Claire Powles now chairing the forum. Not only does this demonstrate Claire’s own capabilities in her line of work, but Gamma’s own commitment towards resilience and collaboration.
That aim to build resilience and let collaboration thrive saw the EC-RRG turn their sights towards the Northern Isles of Shetland and Orkney.
The Isles go dark
We’ll set the scene. Imagine it’s 24th December, and you’re in the town of Kirkwall. You approach the checkout, card in one hand and last-minute present for your brother in the other. The cashier stares back at you, shakes their head and informs you that the card machine is out of action.
A bead of sweat forms on your forehead; you haven’t had cash in your wallet for years…
OK, it isn’t the same standard as Edgar Allan Poe, but it’s essentially the scenario set out by the EC-RRG. Both the Shetlands and Orkney have had their communications cut off from the mainland, thanks to frightful weather and wayward anchors. Time is of the essence, and a response is needed now.
Trust the process
The EC-RRG’s simulations are an all-day virtual exercise, as the likelihood will be that not all decision makers are in the same room when disaster strikes. Through NEAT (National Emergency Alert for Telecoms), an emergency alert is sent out to each member and prompts them to join a conference call. It’s integral to test this capability in the event of a real-life situation.
It shows how the forum can co-ordinate and respond, with both government officials and telecom providers working in tandem. Together, they assess the situation and direct a response that reestablishes communications in good time.
The high number and geographical spread of cables in the UK means that it can take, on average, two weeks for a cable to be repaired. Faults and breakages are common, but data can be easily rerouted to guarantee some kind of continuity.
What matters is that these key stakeholders can work together and put citizens first. Gamma has always been customer-centric, and it’s a privilege to see those practices played out by the wider industry.
Stable cable equals business continuity
‘Indispensable, insecure’ is how some commentators have described the subsea cable network. The financial implications for cable damage can be extraordinary; in March 2024, Nigeria was estimated to have lost billions of Naira after just a four day disruption. Their upkeep is vital to the livelihoods of many.
As noted by Ofcom, resilience must include factors such as good network design, appropriate risk response processes, and efficient business continuity planning. Subsea cable outages should not be met with a sub-par response, and the EC-RRG can iron out any gaps in those procedures.
For Gamma, our participation in these simulations validates how much value we place in both business continuity and collaboration. Working alongside key players in the telecoms industry provides a means for ideas to be shared and networks to be established.
After all, it isn’t just the subsea cable network we’re looking out for.
These views are Gamma’s own, and don’t reflect the individual opinions of both His Majesty’s Government, or other members of the EC-RRG.