FCC to scale security around undersea cable security to deter AI threats from China

The Federal Communications Commission has cleared new measures designed to accelerate and strengthen the security of subsea data cable networks, over concerns of rising dangers from China and other foreign actors.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr commented,  “We not only want to unleash the deployment of new undersea cables — we want to make sure those cables are secure. In recent years, we have seen submarine cable infrastructure threatened by foreign adversaries, like China.”

U.S. reinforces security and streamlines licensing 

Undersea systems are a critical communication backbone and thus high-value targets for espionage or sabotage. FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty even cautioned, “Our global adversaries understand this,” emphasizing that these networks are uniquely exposed to espionage, sabotage, and surveillance.

Nonetheless, under the new framework, authorities will simplify the licensing process for subsea cables, impose tougher security standards, and bar involvement by foreign entities flagged as security threats.

License bids from entities linked to rival governments will also face an initial presumption of rejection, unless proven harmless to U.S. security interests. The regulations further compel enhanced cyber and physical protections for all cables making landfall in the U.S. 

The measures fit into a wider U.S. push to curb China’s influence in critical technologies. Trusty noted that China’s swift expansion in undersea infrastructure and Russia’s proven capacity to trace and chart cable networks are realities that underscore the urgency of the new regulations.

In its release, the commission also said that with the submarine cable market becoming increasingly competitive, U.S. connectivity should remain a top priority. It added that the new measures will help expand network capacity to serve growing internet and data requirements and help maintain U.S. dominance.

Moreover, it has put forward an NPRM inviting feedback on further protections for subsea cables, measures to boost reliance on U.S. cable service vessels, and efforts to advance “trusted technology abroad.” 

Ciena’s CTO says authorities should deploy cables in new, less-populated areas

According to Carr, undersea cables handle nearly all internet traffic worldwide and support over $10 trillion in daily financial flows, inviting more private companies to invest. He stated that private sector spending on new undersea cable projects has averaged $2 billion per year for the last ten years.

The new rules won unanimous support from the three current commissioners, with the FCC planning to gather public comments on further measures to hasten infrastructure deployment that can cost $30,000 to $50,000 per kilometer.

In a blog post, Ciena’s international CTO advised that future submarine cables should be deployed in new, less populated areas that are closer to power. However, he warned the strategy would be costly and time-consuming.

Nonetheless, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez believes the new regulations will boost critical investments needed for future developments, aside from streamlining processes related to submarine cables. 

U.S. regulations of subsea cables stretch back to the 1800s, with the FCC regulating them since 1954. So far, the commission has issued licenses for 90 systems, noting 5.3 million Gbps of available capacity in 2022 and an anticipated 6.8 million Gbps in 2024.

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