Submarine cables are long, thick wires that lie deep under the sea. These cables carry nearly all of the world’s internet and phone data from one continent to another.
Rising Fears Over Underwater Internet Cables
They form the backbone of the global telecom network, helping us send emails, watch videos, play games, and even carry out bank transactions. Without these cables, our global communication and telecom systems would stop working.
In recent years, the importance of these underwater cables has grown even more. With people using the internet for almost everything—studies, shopping, banking, entertainment—the cables have become the backbone of modern life. But now, there are growing fears that these cables are in danger.
Recently, Europe’s biggest telecom companies raised the alarm. They are worried that some countries might be trying to damage or cut these vital cables. There have been allegations that suggest such actions have already happened or are being planned. Some sources have pointed fingers at actions in the Baltic and North Seas.
Although no country was directly named in the telecom companies’ reports, past incidents have raised concerns about certain state activities.
Portugal’s Powerful F-16 Jets Replace Costly Dutch F-35s in NATO Baltic Skies Realignment
These threats could affect not just Europe, but the entire world. Damage to a few cables could mean massive internet blackouts. Banks might not be able to process payments, hospitals could lose communication, and emergency systems might go down. The risk is serious.
Telecom Giants Sound the Alarm
To address these rising threats, major European telecom companies like Telefónica, Vodafone, and Orange came together and wrote an open letter. Military officers and NATO received this letter. In it, they called for stronger protections for submarine cables.
The companies asked NATO to help by creating a shared plan to keep these cables safe. They specifically pointed to the need for more protection in areas like the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. These are areas where many underwater cables are located and where suspicious activities have been noticed in the past.
The letter said that “hybrid threats” are growing. These are threats that mix different forms of attack, like physical damage and digital hacking. These kinds of attacks are harder to detect and stop. The companies explained that these dangers are not limited to Europe. Because the internet connects the whole world, even one broken cable can have effects thousands of miles away.
Russian Sensors Target UK’s Nuclear Submarines in Undersea Espionage Plot
The telecom firms emphasized the value of military assistance as well. They said that NATO should work closely with telecom firms, share intelligence, and watch for unusual activity around these undersea cables. This kind of cooperation, they believe, is the best way to respond to the growing danger.
Security Technologies and Past Incidents
The telecom companies highlighted one more important point—they need better technology. They are asking for more investment in advanced systems that can watch the cables 24/7. They believe that with stronger surveillance, attacks could be spotted before they happen.
They want tools like underwater drones, sensors, and satellites that can track the condition of the cables in real-time. If a problem is found early, it can be fixed before the damage becomes too big. These tools would also help catch anyone trying to harm the cables.
Although the companies did not blame any country by name, there are past events that show how real the danger is. For example, in November 2024, a ship from another country was reported to be near a major fiber optic cable in the Baltic Sea. It was suspected of trying to interfere with it. Incidents like this show how fragile and exposed the cables are.
Mystery Deepens: 3 Key Incidents of Undersea Cable Damage in Baltic Sea
Experts believe that damaging these cables could be a way to silently attack a country’s communication system. It’s not like a normal war with tanks and missiles. Instead, it’s a quiet but very powerful way to create chaos. It can stop internet service, slow down financial systems, and confuse emergency responders.
Because of all this, the telecom companies have asked for action. They want international cooperation. To safeguard these vital lines, nations must cooperate. They also want better training and regular practice drills to be prepared if something does go wrong.
These underwater cables are hidden from our view, but they hold the world together. Any damage to them could cause serious problems not just for one country but for everyone around the globe. The message from Europe’s telecom giants is clear—they are asking for urgent help before it’s too late.