ITU to launch Advisory Body for submarine cable resilience

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is establishing an International Advisory Body for Submarine Cable Resilience to enhance the protection of submarine cables, which are vital for global communication and the digital economy. That initiative is driven by the increasing frequency of service outages and the vulnerabilities faced by these underwater cables, making it imperative to coordinate efforts to bolster their resilience.

The advisory body will bring together diverse stakeholders, including governments, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, and other key participants, fostering multistakeholder collaboration to create a united front in enhancing the safety and protection of submarine cables. ITU calls for nominations from various sectors to join the advisory council, where members will be expected to engage actively in meetings and uphold ethical standards.

Also, the advisory body will provide strategic guidance to improve submarine cable resilience by developing best practices for protecting subsea systems and facilitating international cooperation on technical and policy frameworks. That is particularly crucial given the challenges faced by regions like Vietnam and Africa, which have experienced significant disruptions. To address these issues, members will contribute to the agenda for an upcoming Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in early 2025, where they will strategise on solutions to enhance the resilience of submarine cables worldwide.