A recently planned undersea cable that would connect Hong Kong, China, and Los Angeles, California is facing scrutiny by government officials.
Undersea cables, also called submarine cables or subsea cables, are substantial elements of the telecom infrastructure. These connectors are responsible for 99% of worldwide internet connectivity. The recently planned cable would span over 8,000 miles connecting the United States and China. This project had strong financial backing and support from internet giants Facebook and Google. Facebook and Google are not the only supporters of this project. Chinese telecommunication companies Media Group Co. and Dr. Peng Telecom are also large supporters.
The high-capacity fiber optic cable was well under construction and almost nearing completion before the supposed push came from the government. More than $300 million has been spent on this major project and maybe the first undersea cable extension denied by United States government officials.
The Department of Justice houses a multiagency panel commonly known as Team Telecom that is the main source of opposition for the massive cable. The Department of Justice declined to respond on the FCC’s assessment of the cable due to national security.
Team Telecom is wanting to halt the project for various concerns. Among them are the ties between the Chinese government and the ongoing Hong Kong protests. Another reasoning revolves around the altercations between Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Back in January, the Department of Justice labeled Huawei as a threat due to their business with Iran and alleged trade-secret stealing.
The Department of Justice is not the only obstacle facing the massive undersea cable project. The American population has fears that as well, the concerns are that these ventures with Chinese conglomerate may allow the companies to spy. Also, Huawei would have control over submarine landings with the hardware and software within these central hubs. Theoretically, China could manipulate these controls to disrupt, filter, or monitor information and internet connectivity between countries. These amongst other fears only strengthens the government officials’ decisions.
Initially, the end-goal of the project was to provide faster internet connectivity to China and the United States. Whether or not the construction of this undersea cable sees completion, GeoTel Communications will be able to notify your company of all undersea cables and connections. Contact the experts to learn more!
Author: Valerie Stephen
