The International Telecommunication Union has revealed that fishing activities and ship anchoring account for about 80 percent of damage to submarine communication cables worldwide, raising concerns over the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure. The warning comes as global reliance on undersea cables for internet and data transmission continues to grow.
Submarine cables carry the vast majority of international data traffic, linking continents and enabling everything from financial transactions to video calls. Despite their importance, many of these cables run through busy maritime zones where human activity poses constant risks.
According to the ITU, trawling nets used in commercial fishing often snag cables lying on the seabed, while ships dropping anchors in restricted zones can unintentionally sever or weaken them. Such incidents frequently lead to service disruptions that affect multiple countries at once.
Experts note that while cable operators design routes to avoid high risk areas, it is impossible to eliminate all threats. Repairs can be complex and expensive, sometimes taking days or weeks depending on the location and weather conditions. During that time, internet speeds may slow and network congestion can increase.
The ITU is calling for stronger cooperation between the telecommunications and maritime sectors. It recommends better mapping and sharing of cable route information with shipping and fishing communities, as well as stricter enforcement of no anchor zones near cable paths.
In Nigeria and other coastal nations, cable protection is particularly important as digital services become central to economic and social life. Disruptions can affect banking systems, government operations, and everyday communication for millions of people.
Stakeholders argue that raising awareness among maritime operators is just as crucial as technical safeguards. They stress that preventing damage is far more cost effective than repeated repairs and service interruptions.
