Industry leaders have called for governments to better protect subsea cables amid rising security threats
A group of leading European telecoms and infrastructure providers has called on the EU, UK, and NATO to step up joint efforts to protect subsea cable infrastructure, warning of growing threats to systems critical for Europe’s connectivity and security.
In a joint letter, signatories including GlobalConnect, Vodafone, Orange, Telecom Italia Sparkle, and Alcatel Submarine Networks emphasised the importance of a coordinated response to recent hybrid threats, including recent incidents in the Baltic and North Seas.
The group stresses that subsea cables are vital to Europe’s “connectivity, competitiveness, defence readiness, and economic stability”, and call for increased collaboration between public authorities and industry stakeholders across borders.
The letter backs the EU Action Plan on Cable Security, describing it as a “clear approach to further increase the resilience and security of subsea cables”. It also supports the European Commission’s intention to work with industry to define Critical Projects of European Interest (CPEIs) and deploy protection and surveillance technologies.
“We welcome in particular the reference made to the instrumental aspect of the Connected Europe Facility (CEF),” the letter states, adding that “instruments of the UK authorities and of NATO could strengthen the momentum if coordinated effectively.”
The group urges decision-makers to develop harmonised, risk-based security practices and to treat the entire subsea cable ecosystem as critical infrastructure. They also highlight the need for streamlined governance and permitting processes to accelerate action.
Back in January, a Russian vessel used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure, unexpectedly passed through British waters. The UK Defence Secretary John Healey called the incident “another example of growing Russian aggression”.
“I also want President Putin to hear this message: we see you, we know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country,” he said.
However, many in the industry remain cautious about attributing recent cable outages to sabotage. Most damage, they point out, is still caused by accidents. Speaking to The Tech Capital Magazine, an executive at Ciena said that “a cable deliberately damaged and one damaged by accident is going to look the same when you drag it up to repair it and investigate.”
“If the goal is to impact internet services in a rival country, cutting one subsea cable is unlikely to have much of an effect,” echoed Mike Conradi, co-chair of the international telecoms and digital infrastructure lead at global law firm DLA Piper.
“To seriously impact a country like the UK, multiple cables would have to be cut simultaneously, at which point the action becomes less sabotage and a more overt attack. In this scenario, a higher-profile target would make more sense,” he continued. The letter closes with a clear message to European and transatlantic policymakers: “By acting now, we can safeguard the networks that underpin our shared future.” Industry giants call for joint action on subsea cable security
(Image: Sellafield Ltd)