Why Do We Still Use Undersea Cables Despite the Advancements in Satellite Technology?

While satellite communication technology has made significant strides, undersea cables continue to play a crucial role in global communication infrastructure. This article aims to clarify the reasons behind this continued use, highlighting the advantages and limitations of both undersea cables and satellite communication.

Fiber Optic Cables: The Backbone of Modern Internet

Fiber optic cables have become the preferred medium for transmitting information across long distances due to their superior speed and capacity. Unlike older copper-based cables, fiber optic cables can carry far more signals at once, without significant data loss. They are also more resistant to electromagnetic interference and environmental factors, making them a reliable choice for long-distance communication.

Satellite Communication: A Supplement, Not a Replacement

Satellite communication, while offering some advantages such as flexibility and coverage over vast areas without the need for physical infrastructure, still faces limitations compared to fiber optic cables. Let's delve into these aspects:

Capacities and Traffic Handling

Satellite systems are not as efficient in handling large volumes of traffic compared to fiber optic cables. While they can transmit data over vast distances, they can be prone to service interruptions during adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, satellite communication introduces inherent latency, with a delay of approximately 0.5 seconds. This latency can be particularly problematic for real-time applications and internet services, where speed and reliability are critical.

Futuristic Trends and Current Reality

There are speculations that in the future, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites such as Starlink could potentially offer a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to undersea fiber optic cables. LEO satellites can provide excellent broadband and very low latency when deployed on a large scale. However, we are still in the early stages of such technologies, and widespread deployment is yet to materialize.

For instance, as of now, the Starlink project, which aims to launch multiple LEO satellites, has only about 1,800 satellites in orbit. With only 100,000 subscribers, the service is currently available to rural areas where there is no other internet alternative. Even with increased deployment, the current understanding is that these satellites will be used to provide internet access toindividual subscribers rather than carrying the bulk of the internet backbone traffic.

Advantages of Undersea Cables

Undersea cables offer several benefits that have led to their continued use:

High Bandwidth and Reliability

The global network of fiber optic cables has been built out over the past couple of decades, offering millions of times more bandwidth than could be provided by copper cables. These cables are laid across oceans and continents, providing a stable and fast connection that is not subject to the same limitations as satellite communication.

Cost-Effective and Scalable

While the initial setup and maintenance of undersea cables can be expensive, the technology has become more cost-effective due to innovations such as reusable rockets and satellites. For instance, Elon Musk's SpaceX can launch 50 Starlink satellites for about a couple million dollars, which is significantly cheaper than laying fiber optic cables. However, it is estimated that it would take approximately 50,000 satellites to match the capacity and coverage provided by the existing undersea cable infrastructure, which would take another 25 years to deploy.

Infrastructure and Stability

Undersea cables provide a physical infrastructure that is less prone to environmental weather-related disruptions. They are less affected by interference and can provide more stable and reliable connections, especially for applications that require high reliability.

Conclusion

Despite the potential of satellite communication, undersea fiber optic cables remain the backbone of global internet infrastructure. They offer the necessary bandwidth, reliability, and stability that are crucial for modern communication needs. The continued use of undersea cables does not mean that satellite technology is obsolete; rather, it is a testament to the unique strengths of both technologies. As technology continues to evolve, there will be a balance between these two methods to meet the diverse needs of a global communication network.