The Daily Brief Your internet comes from the bottom of the ocean
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Sep 10, 2025 Undersea cables are the hidden backbone of the internet, enabling over 95% of international data transfer. The show explores the geopolitical tug-of-war over these vital infrastructures, highlighting concerns over security with companies like Huawei. It also delves into the delicate economic relationship between India and China, presenting opportunities for collaboration despite historical tensions. The conversation highlights the increasing demands for internet connectivity and the vulnerabilities posed to this essential network.
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Subsea Cables Are The Internet's Arteries
- Over 95% of international data travels via undersea fiber-optic cables, making them the internet's critical arteries.
- Satellites handle under 5% because they lack the speed, bandwidth, and cost-efficiency of cables.
Human Activity Drives Most Cable Damage
- Human activity—anchors and fishing trawlers—causes about 70% of cable cuts, with 100–150 damages yearly.
- Repairs cost $1–3 million and often take months, making cables fragile despite their scale.
Big Tech Owns A Growing Share Of Cables
- Tech giants now own or lease nearly half of global subsea capacity, shifting power from traditional telcos to cloud firms.
- Google, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon drive about 70% of traffic on key routes and invest directly in cables.