The pacific cable: the internet connection at the bottom of the ocean that the us wants to veto its rivalry with China

Google and facebook have invested billions in the

Pacific Light submarine data cable project connecting Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and the United States.

However, the Donald Trump government is considering vetoing the stretch between its territory and Hong Kong for fear of data theft by China. And is that “Team Telecom”, a committee of the United States government, has now recommended that the country deny its approval. The decision is another sign of mounting tension between the United States and China, which remain mired in a trade war.

So the Pacific Light Cable Network, designed to increase internet speed and capacity, would be the first such cable rejected by the United States for national security reasons.

Around the world, there are hundreds of submarine cables that provide internet connectivity. It is estimated that there are some 300 cables in the water depths that connect us to the network crossing oceans and seas around the world. Some are submerged more than 8,500 meters. Some are active and others “under construction”. Managing the connectivity of those cables is an incredible engineering feat and that’s why the cost is high.