Inside the underwater cables powering the economy

A significant portion of the information we access on the Internet from different parts of the world travels along the bottom of the ocean through undersea cables. This ancient technology, which is the backbone of the world's economy, is often overlooked but is a remarkable technical achievement. Despite our instantaneous access to information, it's important to remember the physical infrastructure that makes it possible. So the next time you stream a video or listen to a podcast from another part of the world, take a moment to appreciate the journey it took to get to you, beneath the waves.

The modern Internet, which is about the size of a garden hose at the bottom of the ocean, is a complex network of fiber optic cables that have been in place for over 150 years. Despite the depth and darkness, these cables carry an immense amount of data, equivalent to everyone in Singapore having a phone conversation with the United States simultaneously. During the exploration, we encountered various marine life, but the focus was on understanding the intricacies of these underwater data highways. By getting through the plastic coating, metal strands, and various layers, we reached the fiber optic cables, which are as thin as human hairs. These cables transport data in the form of light pulses, making them an essential part of our global communication infrastructure. The discovery of their existence and the process of how they function is a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of connecting the world.

The development of undersea telecommunications began in the mid-1800s with the laying of transatlantic telegraph cables. These cables were unwound from large spools on boats and dropped to the ocean floor, connecting continents and revolutionizing communication. Over time, advancements included telephone communications and the use of fiber optic cables in the late 1900s, which vastly increased data capacity. Older cables from previous eras still exist on the ocean floor, with some companies attempting to recover them for copper. Ownership of undersea cables has evolved, with international consortiums giving way to private consumer companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft, who collectively own approximately 20% of all undersea cables by mileage.

Undersea internet cables are a crucial part of global communication, and they function by renting out their bandwidth to various companies. These cables are protected as they get closer to shore, with multiple cables and switching mechanisms ensuring seamless connectivity even if one cable goes down. However, despite their importance, they are often hidden due to their status as national infrastructure. An interesting exception to this is in Tahiti, where the undersea cable comes ashore in an elementary school yard and is marked with a monument celebrating its role in connecting the Pacific Islands. Despite their importance and the potential for damage from fishing trawlers and container ships, undersea internet cables are a testament to human ingenuity and the interconnectedness of our modern world.

While satellites may capture our imagination with their space-age technology, undersea cables have played a crucial role in keeping people connected across vast distances. This humble yet miraculous achievement of human ingenuity allows for instant communication and information transfer between continents. The episode was brought to you by NPR, with contributions from Nicole Staroszewski, undersea cable expert and associate professor at NYU, and various production team members. Meanwhile, in the realm of telecommunications, Mint Mobile offers an affordable solution for those looking to streamline their wireless bills. With unlimited talk, text, and data plans for just $15 a month, Mint Mobile provides an attractive alternative for budget-conscious consumers. To learn more about this offer, visit mintmobile.com/indicator. Lastly, Fundrise presents an opportunity for investors to capitalize on real estate assets at potentially discounted prices due to high interest rates. The Fundrise flagship fund aims to expand its $1,000,000,000 real estate portfolio over the coming months. Interested parties should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing and visit fundrise.com/npr for more information.