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Why Are Submarine Cables Being Rerouted?

Internet

By Kristin LeeMay 25, 2023

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What has the TeleGeography team been reading lately?

First up on our list: a Foreign Policy piece explaining why new submarine cables are not connecting the U.S. and China.

We also pulled some stories that have been making the rounds in our Slack channels, from a very special birthday to a unique liquidation sale.

Decoupling Is Already Happening—Under the Sea

This Foreign Policy story explains how geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S. have led to the rerouting of submarine cables. Give it a read to learn more about the “era of the undersea Iron Curtain.” 

TeleGeography Research Director/resident cable expert Alan Mauldin is quoted in this article, weighing in on the U.S. government's rejection of China-connecting cables and the likelihood of future U.S. involvement in cables running through the South China Sea. 

Asia's internet cable projects delayed by South China Sea tensions

Nikkei Asia offers another perspective.

This piece—in which TeleGeography Research Analyst Marvin Tan is quoted—elaborates further on how Asia's cable projects are being affected by the current situation.

Staring into the Luminiferous Ether

This week marked Ethernet’s 50th birthday.

To honor the occasion, why not learn about how the technology got its name? (We recommend reading this blog post over a slice of cake.)

Shaw Thing: Canadian Merger Finally a Done Deal

Also on the TeleGeography blog: Research Analyst Pete Bell recaps a long-running telecom saga that has finally come to an end.

We’re talking about the C$25 billion ($18.4 billion) merger between Canadian operators Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications.

The deal—which first reached agreement in March 2021—combines Rogers’ nationwide mobile network with both operators’ coast-to-coast fixed networks. The resulting national cable, media, and mobile operating company offers fiber-powered cable internet to nearly 70% of Canadian households.

Now on sale at Bed Bath & Beyond: One slightly used data center

After filing for bankruptcy, Bed Bath & Beyond has plans to auction off its entire data center this summer.

Get your pocketbooks ready—according to this Network World article, the data center encompasses “a total of 47,500 square feet, 9,500 feet of which is raised floor space, with the ability to double the amount of raised floor space and boost the total power from 1MW to 3.5MW.” 

 

Think you've got something that should be on our monthly reading list? Tweet it to us @TeleGeography.

Alan Mauldin

Alan Mauldin

Alan Mauldin is a Research Director at TeleGeography. He manages the company’s infrastructure research group, focusing primarily on submarine cables, terrestrial networks, international Internet infrastructure, and bandwidth demand modeling. He also advises clients with due diligence analysis, feasibility studies, and business plan development for projects around the world. Alan speaks frequently about the global network industry at a wide range of conferences, including PTC, Submarine Networks World, and SubOptic.

Connect with Alan  

Marvin Tan

Marvin Tan

Marvin Tan is a Research Analyst at TeleGeography. Based in Singapore, he's part of the company’s infrastructure research team, focusing primarily on submarine cables, terrestrial networks, and internet infrastructure in Asia Pacific.

Connect with Marvin  

Pete Bell

Pete Bell

Pete Bell is a Research Analyst for TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database and also contributes to the daily CommsUpdate newsletter. He has a particular interest in wireless broadband and was responsible for TeleGeography’s 4G Research Service until it was integrated into GlobalComms.

Connect with Pete