U.S. authorities scrutinize Chinese control over submarine internet cable networks
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a vote next month to secure U.S.-connected undersea cables from foreign adversaries, particularly China, as part of a broader effort to protect U.S. telecommunications infrastructure. This move aligns with President Trump's America First Investment Policy Memorandum and is a significant step towards promoting domestic investment in AI and next-generation technologies.
## Securing Undersea Cables
The proposed rule aims to secure undersea cables by excluding Chinese technology and equipment, which are seen as potential threats to U.S. telecommunications security. Submarine cables carry 99% of the world's internet traffic and are crucial for global communications. Concerns about espionage and potential sabotage have led U.S. authorities to take measures against Chinese involvement in U.S. telecommunications, including undersea cables.
## Defining 'Covered Equipment'
The definition of "covered equipment" in the proposed rule is not publicly disclosed yet. However, it may follow a similar approach to the 2021 rip-and-replace order, which targeted networking equipment made by Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE.
## Security Measures
The FCC will issue default denials to foreign adversary-controlled applicants for cable construction, operation, or leasing. This includes prohibiting the use of equipment deemed risky from countries like China.
## Background and Context
Incidents such as the deliberate sabotage of undersea cables in European waters have heightened concerns about foreign adversaries' threats to global communications infrastructure. China is reportedly developing a device to sever subsea cables, capable of operating at twice the maximum subsea cable depth. No information is provided about the repair status of the Baltic cable repaired earlier, nor about the status of the submarine cable resilience board announced on the same day as the potential China cable cut.
Sweden deployed naval forces to patrol the Baltic earlier this year to prevent cable-cutting attacks. However, most telcos are reportedly a long way off from meeting the program's demands and are coming up billions short to fund the effort. The FCC declined to provide a copy of the proposed rule or answer questions about it.
## Looking Ahead
If passed, the FCC's rule will not only secure undersea cables but also invest in the buildout of submarine infrastructure. The vote on the FCC's rule is scheduled for next month. The rule's implementation could significantly impact the U.S.'s position in leading the world in AI and next-gen technologies. The FCC was only cleared to restart spectrum auctions with the passage of Trump's budget bill earlier this month, which may accelerate the buildout of AI infrastructure. The Biden administration FCC chief, Jessica Rosenworcel, has urged a spectrum auction to raise funds for rip and replace, but it has yet to happen.
- The FCC's proposed rule, aiming to secure undersea cables, may also affect the use of AI technology in the telecom sector, as the exclusion of Chinese technology could impact networking and AI implementations.
- The security measures proposed by the FCC could potentially influence the sports sector, as the global communication infrastructure is crucial for live streaming and broadcasting major sporting events.
- The new rule, if passed, will not only enhance the security of undersea cables but could also steer the global technology landscape, given that technology advancements in AI and next-generation technologies are heavily dependent on robust and secure telecom infrastructure.
