Global Connectivity Relies on Undersea Fiber-Optic Cables: Unpacking the Infrastructure of the Internet
Original framing: “Samanth Subramanian on the Undersea Cables That Keep the Internet Alive” — Bloomberg
The history of undersea cable development is closely tied to the history of colonialism and imperialism. The first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid in 1858, and subsequent cables were constructed to facilitate the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between European powers and their colonies. Today, the global internet is a legacy of this colonial past, with many undersea cables passing through territories that were once colonized. A deeper understanding of this history is essential for understanding the complex power dynamics that shape the global internet.
The global internet is a complex, multifaceted system that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of communities around the world.
The development and operation of undersea fiber-optic cables have significant implications for indigenous communities, marginalized groups, and the environment, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of technological, economic, and environmental factors that shape its development and operation. A more equitable and sustainable global internet requires the development of sustainable undersea cable infrastructure, the promotion of equitable access to the internet, and the fostering of global cooperation on undersea cable development.