The Strategic Importance of Securing Submarine Cables in Today’s Digital Economy

Submarine fiber-optic cables serve as the fragile yet indispensable backbone of the modern internet, facilitating $12 trillion in financial transactions and carrying over 99% of intercontinental data each day. Despite their enormous importance, these cables face constant threats ranging from accidental damage caused by fishing activities and anchor drags to more concerning risks of targeted attacks by foreign adversaries. On November 20, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security held a critical hearing to address these risks and deliberate on measures to safeguard national security and global communication networks.

The Triple Threat: Vulnerability, Criticality, and Irreplaceability

Submarine cables harbor three defining characteristics that underscore their significance: vulnerability, criticality, and irreplaceability. Physically, these cables are highly fragile, with their core being thinner than a strand of human hair. This fragility leads to an average of four faults globally per week, most often caused by fishing gear or accidental anchor strikes. Yet, their criticality becomes evident when considering their role in global connectivity, supporting everything from economic transactions to online communication. Without these cables, digital infrastructure and countless American jobs reliant on data transfer would come to a standstill.

Contrary to popular belief, satellites cannot substitute submarine cables. While satellites provide vital emergency backups, they are neither cost-efficient nor capable of matching the immense capacity offered by fiber-optic networks. Submarine cables are essential for maintaining the seamless flow of information that powers global commerce and communication, making their irreplaceability non-negotiable in the digital age.

Industry Innovations in Cable Security

Faced with the persistent threats of accidental damage, the private sector swiftly responded by investing billions of dollars into securing the submarine cable network. Operators have taken proactive measures, such as constructing geographically diverse landing sites and expanding networks with hundreds of new cables. In addition, technological advancements now allow cable systems to detect oncoming threats using the fiber itself as a sensor. These innovations minimize risks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for users worldwide, including governments and financial institutions.

The private sector has also funded a global fleet of repair vessels on constant standby. These measures not only safeguard cables from routine mishaps but also create a strong foundation to counter malicious threats. This layered approach highlights the industry’s deep commitment to protecting this critical infrastructure, showcasing an exemplary model of resilience and ingenuity.

The Role of Government in Cable Security

While the private sector has shown remarkable initiative in bolstering cable security, gaps remain that necessitate government intervention. Enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors can help address critical challenges, such as improving regulatory frameworks, expanding oversight over foreign actors, and funding research into advanced security technologies. Governments play a vital role by establishing policies that clear bureaucratic hurdles for rapid repair operations and create preemptive strategies for long-term security.

The hearing highlighted an essential point: the global economy and national security depend on the uninterrupted functionality of submarine cables. As these cables connect continents and support the digital age, a comprehensive approach involving both private innovation and public policy is indispensable to creating a resilient and secure network.