The Preference of Terrestrial Fiber over Submarine Cable: A Practical Analysis

When deciding between terrestrial fiber and submarine cable, the choice can depend on various factors, including network architecture, cost, and environmental compliance. In this article, we explore the reasoning behind choosing terrestrial fiber over submarine cable through a historical perspective, sharing lessons learned from past projects and the challenges faced with submarine cable infrastructure.

Historical Context and Case Study: The Decision to Rebuild the Hibernia Cable System

Acquiring the Hibernia cable system in 2002 from 360 Networks, I faced a unique challenge: the need to both access and create a robust network architecture without having the necessary terrestrial plant. The initial focus was on acquiring the existing submarine cable ("wet" plant) and lacking the terrestrial infrastructure, which posed significant operational challenges.

Land-based fiber (terrestrial fiber) offered a simpler and more cost-effective solution compared to building new submarine cable. This decision was driven by the need to integrate into operational markets efficiently and establish more robust ring architectures for fail-safes, ensuring continued service even during network disruptions.

Demonstrating Practical Advantages: Terrestrial Fiber's Cost-Effectiveness and Simplicity

Converting the existing submarine cable into terrestrial fiber proved much more straightforward than constructing a new underwater segment. This approach significantly reduced costs and expedited deployment.

To illustrate, acquiring and extending terrestrial fiber from Halifax to Lynn, and then further to other key locations like Boston, NYC, and Dublin to Liverpool, bypassed the need for environmentally sensitive fishing grounds and the costly permitting processes associated with large-scale marine construction projects. The permitting issues alone, which could have taken over two years, underscore the practical challenges faced when choosing to build new submarine cable networks.

Moreover, the potential for maritime traffic to damage the cable plant along the underwater route was a considerable risk. In shallow waters, the cable would be particularly vulnerable, making the entire operation less likely to succeed without significant additional investment.

The Role of Environmental Compliance in Network Design

Environmental considerations play a crucial role in the decision-making process for choosing between terrestrial and submarine cable. Submarine cable deployments often require extensive ecological studies, obtaining necessary permits from multiple jurisdictions, and enduring lengthy regulatory processes. These steps can be both time-consuming and costly.

Acquiring existing terrestrial fiber or building new land-based networks eliminates the burdensome environmental compliance procedures tied to marine infrastructure. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of damaging or disrupting vital cable assets due to maritime activities or natural disasters.

A Cautionary Tale: The Failure of a Proposed Coastal Fiber Network

However, it's essential to recognize the limitations of terrestrial fiber solutions. During my tenure at Enron Broadband in the late 1990s, we encountered a regulatory barrier that stalled plans to build a fiber-optic network along the I-5 corridor from San Diego to Vancouver, BC. The proposed festooned cable plant along the coast presented a viable alternative to the traditional submarine cable approach. Tyco's bid for this project was much cheaper, suggesting potential cost savings.

Despite cost advantages, the regulatory complications presented a considerable challenge. The lack of a streamlined regulatory pathway and the intricate permitting process resulted in a project that, while technically attainable, was unlikely to be realized within commercially viable timeframes.

Conclusion

The choice between terrestrial fiber and submarine cable depends on multiple factors. In most cases, terrestrial fiber is the preferred solution due to its cost-effectiveness, operational simplicity, and compliance with environmental regulations. However, understanding the unique challenges and cost-benefit analyses is crucial for making informed decisions in network design and deployment.