India Expands Undersea Cable Infrastructure for Connectivity

India is enhancing its undersea cable infrastructure to improve internet connectivity. The recent launch of Airtel’s 2Africa Pearls system adds capacity to India’s international bandwidth. This system joins others like SEA-ME-WE-6, which also landed earlier this year. These developments are crucial as undersea cables are the backbone of global internet connectivity.

What Are Undersea Cables?

Undersea cables are fibre optic cables laid on the seabed. They connect internet service providers across countries. These cables, a few inches thick, are designed to withstand harsh marine conditions. They transmit vast amounts of data, facilitating global communication and trade.

Significance of Undersea Cables

Undersea cables are vital for the modern information society. Approximately 90% of global data and 80% of world trade rely on these cables. They also handle about $10 trillion in financial transactions. In India, the majority of international internet traffic is managed through these systems.

India’s Cable Landing Sites

India has two main cable landing hubs – Mumbai and Chennai. Mumbai handles about 95% of the subsea cables. In total, 17 cable systems land in India, with two domestic cables serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.

Challenges in Cable Deployment

Deploying undersea cables in India faces several challenges. The process requires numerous permissions from various government departments. This bureaucratic hurdle can delay projects . Additionally, fishing trawlers often damage cables, necessitating foreign repair vessels for maintenance.

Capacity Concerns

Despite current capacity being adequate, experts warn that data traffic is rapidly increasing. There are concerns that India’s existing infrastructure may not keep pace with future demand. The country currently holds a small share of the global cable landing stations and subsea systems.

Risks Associated with Undersea Cables

India’s reliance on undersea cables makes it vulnerable to disruptions. Events like cable cuts in the Red Sea can severely impact internet connectivity. Historical incidents show that such disruptions have occurred, denoting the need for a more resilient infrastructure.

Improving Cable Infrastructure

To strengthen its subsea cable infrastructure, India needs to streamline the approval process for new cables. Additionally, investing in domestic cable repair capabilities is essential. Current reliance on foreign vessels for repairs poses risks to connectivity.

Future Prospects

As the demand for internet connectivity grows, India must enhance its undersea cable systems. This includes increasing capacity and ensuring redundancy in cable routes. Continued investment and innovation will be crucial for maintaining robust internet services.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of undersea cables on global trade and communication.
2. Estimate the risks associated with India’s reliance on foreign repair vessels for undersea cables.
3. Point out the challenges faced in deploying undersea cables in India and suggest solutions.
4. What role do undersea cables play in the digital economy? How can India enhance its share in global cable infrastructure?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of undersea cables on global trade and communication.

1. Undersea cables carry approximately 90% of global data traffic, connecting countries and facilitating communication.
2. They support 80% of world trade by enabling real-time transactions and information exchange.
3. Financial transactions worth around $10 trillion annually depend on these cables, denoting their economic significance.
4. Disruptions in undersea cable infrastructure can lead to delays in communication and trade, impacting economies.
5. They are essential for the functioning of digital services like cloud computing, streaming, and e-commerce globally.

2. Estimate the risks associated with India’s reliance on foreign repair vessels for undersea cables.

1. India lacks domestic cable repair capabilities, relying on foreign vessels to fix damaged cables, which can delay repairs.
2. Long permission processes for foreign vessels can exacerbate downtime during cable disruptions.
3. Dependence on foreign entities makes India vulnerable to geopolitical tensions that could hinder repair operations.
4. Fishing trawlers frequently damage cables, increasing the need for timely repairs that are often delayed.
5. Increased disruptions could lead to internet outages, affecting businesses and services reliant on connectivity.

3. Point out the challenges faced in deploying undersea cables in India and suggest solutions.

1. Obtaining approximately 51 permissions from various government bodies creates bureaucratic delays in cable deployment.
2. Environmental concerns and local regulations complicate the laying of new cables, requiring more streamlined processes.
3. Fishing activities pose risks to cable integrity, necessitating better awareness and protective measures for cables.
4. Investing in domestic cable repair infrastructure would reduce reliance on foreign vessels and enhance response times.
5. Encouraging public-private partnerships could accelerate the development and maintenance of undersea cable systems.

4. What role do undersea cables play in the digital economy? How can India enhance its share in global cable infrastructure?

1. Undersea cables are critical for enabling high-speed internet, essential for digital services and economic growth.
2. They facilitate global communication, supporting industries like e-commerce, finance, and cloud computing.
3. To enhance its share, India should invest in expanding cable landing stations and improving existing infrastructure.
4. Streamlining regulatory processes would attract more investments in cable projects, increasing capacity and redundancy.
5. Collaborating with international partners can help India diversify its cable routes and reduce vulnerability to disruptions.