A recent joint study conducted by TeleGeography and Infra-Analytics outlines a significant concern regarding the current state of submarine cable maintenance, emphasizing that an investment of approximately $3 billion will be necessary to ensure the ongoing health of the global internet infrastructure by 2040. The report, titled ‘The Future of Submarine Cable Maintenance,’ paints a worrying picture of an impending shortfall in cable repair vessels, which could jeopardize the resilience of the internet.
Submarine cables are crucial for the modern internet, carrying over 95% of global international data. As demand for bandwidth surges and the need for network redundancy grows, investments for new cables are ramping up. TeleGeography forecasts a 48% increase in the deployment of cables beneath the oceans by 2040. However, this expansion is not matched by the capacity to maintain these essential connections. More than half of the current fleet of cable maintenance ships will either be reaching or have surpassed their expected operational lifespan, leading to an urgent need for new vessels.
Currently, around 200 faults occur in submarine cables annually, as reported by the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC). With more cables deployed, this figure is expected to increase, which will place additional stress on an already aging fleet of repair ships.
The report’s co-author, Mike Constable from Infra-Analytics, stresses the urgency for coordinated efforts between governments and the industry. He warns that without enhanced collaboration and new business models to promote investments into modern maintenance fleets, the risk of extended service outages will increase.
To address these challenges, the study recommends acquiring 15 new vessels to replace the outdated maintenance fleet and an additional five vessels to expand the existing capacity. The total projected investment of $3 billion is deemed crucial to maintain service continuity and ensure swift responses to future excidents.
Alan Mauldin, Research Director at TeleGeography, stated that the report serves as a rallying call to revisit investment priorities. He pointed out the direct connection between the digital economy and robust, well-maintained infrastructure, highlighting that this data-driven report is critical for stakeholders aiming to strengthen the submarine cable ecosystem.
While significant resources continue to be directed towards the construction of new undersea cables—often initiated by hyperscale cloud providers, telecommunications companies, and governments—the report underscores the urgent need to focus equally on the long-term maintenance of the critical infrastructure vital for the global Internet.
If strategic reinvestment in cable maintenance does not occur, the global digital economy may face increasing challenges and repair delays, which would have far-reaching consequences for businesses, governments, and consumers alike.
Welcome to DediRock, your trusted partner in high-performance hosting solutions. At DediRock, we specialize in providing dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals alike. Our mission is to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure hosting solutions that empower our clients to achieve their digital goals. With a commitment to exceptional customer support, cutting-edge technology, and robust infrastructure, DediRock stands out as a leader in the hosting industry. Join us and experience the difference that dedicated service and unwavering reliability can make for your online presence. Launch our website.