Global - Infrastructure - Submarine Cables

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.

1. Synopsis
2. Introduction
3. 2009: What lies ahead?
4. 2008: the revival continued
5. Historical overview
- 5.1 2007: India led the charge
- 5.2 2006: Taiwan earthquake
- 5.3 2005: signs of expansion
- 5.4 2002 – 2004: the years in between
- 5.5 1998 – 2001: boom years
6. Boom/bust cycle starting up again – brief analysis
7. Bandwidth demand
8. Submarine cable construction costs
9. The new submarine paradigm
10. Related reports

Table 1 – Worldwide value of investments in submarine cable systems– 2001; 2004; 2007 - 2009
Table 2 – International bandwidth usage annual change – 2005 - 2007
Table 3 – Construction costs of submarine cables – 1997 - 2009

Exhibit 1 – Definition: Indefeasible Right of Use
Exhibit 2 - Examples of major in-service submarine cable systems worldwide – 2008
Exhibit 3 - Examples of major proposed submarine cables – 2008