Submarine Cables: Advancing Connectivity and Climate Change Monitoring

Meta has announced plans for Project Waterworth, constructing the world’s longest submarine cable at 50,000 km to improve connectivity across five continents. While submarine cables primarily enhance communication, newer SMART and OFS technologies are being developed to monitor environmental conditions and safeguard infrastructure. However, adoption is hampered by outdated regulations, financial concerns, and security risks, necessitating a review and investment in smarter cable technology.

Last month, Meta, a leading technology company, disclosed its ambitious undertaking to construct the world’s longest submarine communication cable, known as Project Waterworth. Spanning 50,000 kilometers, this cable aims to link five continents, enhancing connectivity and technological advancement in nations including the United States, India, and Brazil. Since the inception of submarine cables in 1858, their primary function has been to facilitate global communication.

Currently, there exists approximately 1.4 million kilometers of submarine cables globally, which are encased in plastic and the size of garden hoses. These cables utilize optical fibers capable of transmitting data at astonishing speeds up to 300 terabits per second. However, there is burgeoning interest in exploring the additional functionalities of these cables beyond telecommunications, especially concerning climate change and disaster preparedness.

A notable innovation is the SMART cable, an acronym for Scientific Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunications, designed for environmental monitoring. This initiative, backed by the International Telecommunications Union, the World Meteorological Organization, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, includes sensors that collect critical oceanic data such as seismic activity and temperature variations, aiding in early-warning systems for tsunamis and earthquakes.

Additionally, OFS cables—optical fibre sensing cables—serve to protect vital infrastructures by detecting disturbances surrounding the cables. Countries like France and Portugal are investing in these advanced technologies, with the European Commission supporting SMART cable projects as part of broader infrastructure initiatives.

Despite these advancements, the adoption of sensing cables remains sluggish, primarily due to outdated regulations governing undersea cables. The existing legal framework does not accommodate cables equipped with environmental sensors, complicating permit processes and causing delays for developers. Furthermore, industry leaders express concerns regarding the financial viability of integrating sensing technologies, as environmental data does not directly generate revenue, thereby necessitating government support for the adoption of such innovations.

Moreover, embedding sensors into cables presents potential security risks; some governments may misinterpret these technologies as surveillance systems, while others may view them as targets for malicious activities. Given the substantial benefits of comprehensive environmental data—including insights into ocean depth and temperature fluctuations—there exists a compelling argument for greater investment in SMART cables.

Current regulatory obstacles hinder the progress of sensing technology; however, an update in regulation could facilitate easier integration of sensors into projects like Meta’s Waterworth initiative. Viewing this project as a network of cables rather than a single unit could allow for deploying sensors in less geopolitical-sensitive regions, contributing to an open-access database for ocean observation data that would benefit diverse stakeholders like scientists, policymakers, and industries.

While deploying sensing technology in regions with geopolitical tensions is challenging, there lie significant opportunities in areas vulnerable to climate change, such as the Pacific. The scientific data derived from these regions could prove invaluable in modeling oceanic variations and addressing issues like rising sea levels and extreme weather.

Portugal exemplifies a progressive approach to SMART cables, actively pursuing investment despite regulatory hurdles to enhance climate data. Other nations can draw inspiration from this model if they are committed to contributing to infrastructure as a public good. While sensor-embedded cables may not single-handedly solve climate change issues, they represent a vital first step towards understanding our planet’s complex environmental dynamics and reinforce the urgency to address ecological challenges.

In summary, submarine cables play a crucial role beyond mere communication, particularly in the realm of climate change monitoring and disaster preparedness. Despite the potential benefits of SMART technology and enhanced data collection capabilities, regulatory barriers and financial concerns impede progress. Nonetheless, with examples from countries like Portugal, there is hope for a renewed focus on integrating innovative solutions into infrastructure development, thereby serving the public good and addressing critical environmental issues.

Original Source: eveningreport.nz