FCC Takes Action to Secure Submarine Cable Infrastructure and Advance US National Security Interests

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new proposal to streamline the licensing process for submarine cable infrastructure, accelerate construction timelines, and provide certainty to investors. This move aims to facilitate the deployment of secure and resilient infrastructure, as part of the FCC's Build America Agenda, which prioritizes national security interests in the face of threats from foreign adversaries like China. The FCC estimates that 99% of all Internet traffic is carried on submarine cables, which facilitate over $10 trillion in financial transactions daily.

Key Takeaways:

• The FCC's proposal seeks to streamline the submarine cable licensing process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating construction timelines for new undersea cables.
• The initiative aims to provide certainty to investors and encourage the buildout of secure submarine cable infrastructure, essential for the US to lead in AI and next-gen technologies.
• The FCC is also proposing measures to protect submarine cable security against foreign adversary equipment and services, as well as incentivize the use of American submarine cable repair and maintenance ships and trusted technology abroad.
• The proposal aligns with the Trump administration's America First Investment Policy Memorandum, which emphasizes the connection between economic security and national security.
• The FCC is seeking comment on the proposed measures, which are expected to advance the goals of the Build America Agenda and promote secure investment in world-leading infrastructure.

Statistics:

• 99% of all Internet traffic is carried on submarine cables, which facilitate over $10 trillion in financial transactions daily.
• Private companies have invested an average of $2 billion annually in new construction of undersea cables over the past decade.
• The FCC's proposal is expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate construction timelines for new undersea cables, promoting secure investment in world-leading infrastructure.

Sources:

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC), statement on Build America Agenda and national security interests
• President's America First Investment Policy Memorandum (no date cited)