The Hormuz digital chokepoint: How does the Iran war threaten subsea cables?

UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 3- Infrastructure

Introduction

The Strait of Hormuz is now both an energy and digital chokepoint. Several subsea cables pass through this narrow route, linking Asia, the Gulf, and Europe. Iran’s warning has highlighted the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure. Ongoing conflict has raised risks of accidental and indirect damage to these cables. Since they support global internet traffic and financial systems, any disruption can slow connectivity, affect transactions, and weaken digital economies dependent on this. The Hormuz digital chokepoint: How does the Iran war threaten subsea cables?

What are Subsea Cables?

1. Basic meaning and structure: Subsea cables are optical fibre or electrical cables laid on the seabed to carry data and power across countries.
2. Physical design and capacity: These cables are thin like a hose but protected by layers of metal and plastic to carry large data safely.
3. Role in digital services: They support telecom, cloud services, and online communication, which depend on fast and stable data flow.

Strategic Importance of Subsea Cables

1. Backbone of global digital economy: Subsea cables carry around 99% of global internet traffic and support communication, finance, and online services across countries.
2. Support to financial systems: These cables enable over $10 trillion in daily financial transactions, making them critical for global markets.
3. Dependence of data centres and cloud systems: Data centres depend on cable landing stations, and without them, they cannot transmit or process data effectively.
4. Role in AI and digital infrastructure: Gulf countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia rely on these cables for AI systems and large-scale digital infrastructure investments.
5. Key global cable networks: Major systems like AAE-1, FALCON, Gulf Bridge International, TGN-Gulf, and SEA-ME-WE connect Asia, the Gulf, Africa, and Europe.
6. Rising investment and expansion: New cable projects, including those led by Ooredoo, show increasing dependence on these networks for future growth.

Strait of Hormuz as a Dual Chokepoint

1. Energy and digital significance: The strait is a critical route for global oil shipments and internet traffic, making it highly strategic.
2. Global connectivity link: It connects India, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Africa, and Europe through multiple cable routes.
3. High concentration risk: Many cables pass through this narrow passage, making it a single vulnerable point for global connectivity.
4. Scale of data flow: A large number of global internet cables pass through this narrow route, making it a critical digital chokepoint.
5. Support to financial systems: These cables enable over $10 trillion in daily financial transactions, linking global markets.

Nature of Risks to Subsea Infrastructure

1. Accidental human activities: Around 70–80% of cable faults are caused by fishing and ship anchors, making human activity the main threat.
2. Natural risks: Undersea currents, earthquakes, volcanoes, and typhoons can damage cables despite safety measures.
3. Conflict-related threats: War increases risks of sabotage and indirect damage from ships affected by attacks.
4. Impact of military operations: Active conflict raises the chance of unintentional damage, especially over longer periods.
5. Evidence from past events: In 2024, a drifting vessel damaged cables in the Red Sea, disrupting about 25% of data traffic.

Impact of Potential Disruptions

1. Internet and communication effects: Damage can cause slow speeds or outages, affecting global communication systems.
2. Economic disruptions: It can disturb e-commerce, financial transactions, and cloud services, leading to wider economic losses.
3. Impact on data centres: Data centres become less effective without stable cable connections, reducing service quality.
4. Regional dependence factor: The level of impact depends on how much networks rely on these cables and available alternatives.

Challenges in Repair and Restoration

1. Difficulties in conflict zones: Repairing cables is risky due to fighting, mines, and unstable conditions in the region.
2. Operational and insurance risks: Repair ships and insurers may avoid these areas, delaying restoration work.
3. Permit-related issues: Access to territorial waters requires permits, which can take a long time and delay repairs.
4. Post-conflict recovery: After conflict, seabed surveys are needed to identify safe routes and avoid obstacles like sunken ships.

Limitations of Alternatives

1. Land-based systems: These provide partial backup but cannot fully replace subsea cables in capacity.
2. Satellite limitations: Satellites are costly and cannot handle large data volumes, making them unsuitable for full replacement.
3. Functional constraints: Satellites are better for moving objects like ships and aircraft, not for mass connectivity.
4. Low-Earth orbit systems: Networks like Starlink are still not scalable for millions of users.

Conclusion

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical point for both energy and digital flows. Subsea cables passing through it support global communication and financial systems. The ongoing conflict increases risks of accidental damage and disruption. Repair challenges and limited alternatives add to the concern. Strengthening protection and reducing dependence on such narrow routes is important.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical digital chokepoint and assess the risks posed by ongoing conflict to subsea cable infrastructure and global connectivity.

Source: The Hindu