No One Willing to Invest in Fixing Vulnerable Pacific Cables
A recent earthquake in Vanuatu disrupted its internet for 10 days, exposing a significant vulnerability in the Pacific’s communications infrastructure.
The magnitude 7.3 earthquake in December not only caused widespread destruction and casualties but also revealed a critical issue in the region’s digital infrastructure: a lack of redundancy.
Vanuatu relies on a single undersea cable, ICN1, for all its internet traffic. The earthquake on Dec. 17 resulted in a fire at the cable landing station, cutting off internet connectivity.
It took a coordinated effort under challenging conditions to restore the connection within ten days.
This vulnerability is not unique to Vanuatu but is a common issue across the Pacific region. Concerns about the lack of redundancy in critical digital infrastructure have been raised since the disruption caused by the 2022 volcanic eruption in Tonga.
While most Pacific countries recognize the need for a duplicate submarine cable system, they face financial constraints as they also prioritize improving essential local infrastructure in areas such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
Alternative communication systems like traditional geostationary satellite networks have limitations in bandwidth and operational costs, making them less accessible for general use.
Low-Earth orbit satellites such as Starlink offer higher bandwidth at lower costs, but concerns about security and legal implications arise due to their mix of civilian and military users.
Projects like the TAMTAM system and proposed cables connecting Vanuatu to larger Pacific networks aim to address some of these connectivity challenges, but a resilient backbone of redundant cable remains crucial for linking all Pacific nations securely.
Commitment, But No Funds
Although Vanuatu’s government has advocated for a second cable since 2018, they lack the necessary capital, fearing increased telecommunication prices for their vulnerable population due to maintenance costs.
Western governments like Australia and the United States have acknowledged the importance of increased investment in the region but have not yet provided the necessary funding.
Experts emphasize the urgency of addressing this issue and stress the role Australia can play in safeguarding and strengthening the Pacific’s communications infrastructure.
By prioritizing digital resilience and collaborative partnerships, Australia can demonstrate its commitment to supporting its Pacific neighbors in facing future challenges, reducing their reliance on external actors with conflicting interests.
The recent earthquake in Vanuatu serves as a call to action, highlighting the need to build a robust, equitable system that can withstand future crises.
