BLUF

Loss of the Tongan fibre-optic undersea cable (which provides phone and internet services) demonstrates the vulnerability of communications to natural hazards not just in Tonga but in any remote Pacific Island country.

Summary

 

The recent apparent snapping of the Tongan fibre-optic cable connecting it to the rest of the world due to a volcanic eruption demonstrates the vulnerabilities of modern communications. Key points:

  • 95% plus of global data transfer uses undersea fibre-optic cables.

  • The more than 885,000 kilometres of undersea cables go through choke points- Hawaii, the Suez Canal, Guam and the Sunda Strait.

  • Many of the choke points are prone to natural disasters.

  • Tonga uses undersea cables as they are more reliable than satellites and fixed infrastructure.

  • Tongan communication is through a single 800km link with Fiji.

  • Recovery needs are difficult to ascertain without working cables.

  • Volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis all put underseas cables at risk.

  • Australia’s cable links are through Sydney and Perth.

Managing risk.

  • Risk evaluation is required to map potential hazards.

  • Need to consider backup alternatives such as satellites.

 

 

Learn more about the strategic issues associated with undersea cables.

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