The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN agency for digital technologies, releases its declaration on submarine telecom cables after the successful conclusion of the International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, on 27th February, Thursday. The summit focused on strengthening the world’s vital undersea network of telecommunications cables. 

These cables support over 99 percent of intercontinental data traffic. The declaration calls upon the community for global cooperation and shared efforts to preserve this critical infrastructure. The agency suggests developing a risk mitigation strategy focusing on the timely exchange of pertinent information, knowledge, and best practices to empower connectivity and digital transformation across the globe.

Priority to Diverse Routes and Landings 

Apart from empowering the digital ecosystem, these cables are crucial for strategic, economic, safety, security, and strategic purposes. The declaration encourages the development of geographically diversified infrastructure through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) model. Such funding would ensure that no corner is left isolated or unconnected.

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Timely Repair and Deployment 

The declaration calls upon governments to adopt policies and practices that expedite the deployment of new submarine cable systems. This will ensure that no challenge meets a vicious loop and they are met with the standard solution timely to ensure perpetual global connectivity. 

Developing New Technology 

The deceleration further urges the global community to support innovative technologies and solutions that reduce damage risks, enhance resilience, and improve the efficiency of submarine cable systems. Such innovations will ensure the cables remain operational, robust, and reliable.

To read the full declaration, click here! 

The declaration aims to strengthen the global network connectivity paradigm through support from governments, stakeholders, innovators, and systemic efforts like policies and initiatives.