Synopsis
Activity in the submarine cable sector continued throughout 2008 with many cable build-out announcements coming from around the world. Network upgrades are also on the agenda for some existing systems. The global credit crisis may result in more collaboration as companies work together to share building costs – the Unity Project is an example of such a model. The impact of the credit crisis on the sector cannot however be fully determined as many current projects are already funded. There are however many planned projects still to be funded that may suffer as a result. This report provides an overview of the submarine cable sector, with a focus on developments since the last boom. It also includes information on major in-service and proposed submarine systems. Further information on submarine cables in the Asia-Pacific region is available from a separate report.