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International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience Launched

Posted 06 Dec 2024

2 min read

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) & International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) have jointly launched International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

About International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience

  • Aim: To strengthen the resilience of submarine cables.
    • Damage to submarine cables is a frequent occurrence, with an average of 150 to 200 faults happening globally each year.
  • Functions: It will promote best practices among governments & industries to improve cable resilience reduce damage risks etc. 
    • It will also provide strategic guidance to address issues like growing traffic, aging infrastructure, & environmental threats.
  • Members: 40 (include Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, industry executives, experts etc.) and co-chaired by Nigeria & Portugal.
    • It will meet at least twice a year.

What is Submarine Cable?

  • About: Submarine Cable is a fiber optic cable laid in the ocean, connecting 2 or more landing points. 
  • India is a key player in global submarine cable network: India hosts 17 international submarine cables across 14 landing stations in Mumbai, Chennai etc.
  • Significance: Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital economy
    • It carries over 99 % of international data exchange & enables critical services like commerce, financial transactions across the globe.

 

About ITU (HQ-Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Genesis: Established in 1865, ITU is UNs specialized agency for information & communication technologies.
  • Functions: It facilitates international connectivity in communication networks.
    • It allocates global radio spectrum & satellite orbits.
  • Members: 194 (Including India)

About ICPC

  • Genesis:  Founded in 1958, it is a global forum for governments & businesses in submarine cable industry.
  • Objective: To improve undersea cable security by sharing technical, legal, & environmental information.
  • Tags :
  • Cable
  • International Telecommunication Union
  • digital economy.
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