Beneath the Waves

When we think of the internet, our minds often jump to concepts like cloud storage and iCloud. However, the reality is that the internet is not floating in the sky but resides in the depths of the ocean. In fact, the internet is a complex network of undersea cables that span an astonishing length of almost 750,000 miles. These cables, responsible for transmitting 99% of global communication, are vulnerable to various threats such as natural disasters, fishing vessels, and even international espionage.

Now, you might be wondering why we rely on such delicate technology on such a massive scale. Well, it's a testament to human ingenuity but also a reminder of our limitations. Undersea telecommunication cables have been in use since the Victorian era, with the first telegraph between Europe and North America taking a staggering 17 hours to transmit. Thankfully, we've come a long way since then. For instance, the Maria Line, established in 2018, can transmit up to 160 terabits per second, a significant improvement in speed and capacity.

Submarine cables have been pivotal in meeting the ever-growing demand for faster and more extensive global communication. As technology advanced, coaxial cables replaced telegraph lines, and the first submarine transatlantic telephone cable, known as tat-1, was introduced in 1956. However, it was the rise of the World Wide Web that truly fueled the need for faster data transmission. This led to the development of fiber optic technology, which replaced coaxial cables. Optic fibers, as thin as a human hair, revolutionized data transmission with their cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and superior information-carrying capacity.

While the vulnerability of undersea cables might raise concerns, it's worth noting that they are well-insulated, often protected by kevlar-like materials. However, incidents do occur. In 2022, a mysteriously cut cable caused an internet blackout across seven countries, leaving millions offline. Volcanic eruptions and other environmental factors can also disrupt these cables, particularly in developing or isolated nations with limited connections. On average, more than 100 cables are cut each year due to shipping accidents or environmental hazards. The risk of sabotage has also become a growing global concern.

Given the vulnerabilities of undersea cables, one might wonder why we don't rely more on satellite communication. While satellites are less prone to shark attacks, they have limitations. Satellites primarily serve remote areas, such as scientific research stations in Antarctica. However, geostationary satellites, which orbit above the equator and follow the Earth's rotation, are positioned around 22,000 miles away. This vast distance leads to significant latency in data transmission. In recent years, there has been a push for launching more low orbit satellites, like Elon Musk's starlink network, to minimize latency and improve coverage.

Despite the potential advantages of satellites, submarine cables remain the backbone of global data transmission. Satellites are considerably more expensive to deploy and maintain, with Elon Musk estimating a need for up to $30 billion for his starlink project. In contrast, the submarine cable industry spends about $2 billion per year. Moreover, submarine cables offer higher data capacity and faster speeds, which are vital considering the immense amount of data being transmitted worldwide every second.

The internet, with its resilience and adaptability, relies on a combination of satellite and undersea cable networks. They need not be in competition but can work as complementary systems to address the threats faced by each. While undersea cables may have vulnerabilities, their cost-effectiveness and efficiency make them the preferred choice for transmitting data globally. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, both undersea cables and satellite networks will play crucial roles in maintaining our increasingly digital way of life.