Strengthening France’s Strategic Position in the Undersea Cable Sector

Why are undersea cables strategic?

Undersea cables are the backbone of the Internet, carrying over 95% of the world’s data. They enable countries to exchange information almost instantaneously. Controlling these infrastructures becomes crucial as it ensures not only digital independence but also protection against geopolitical and cyber risks.

With ASN, which holds approximately one-third of the global market, France now has significant control over the value chain—from design to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. This rare asset in Europe gives France a major advantage in this strategic sector, especially as the company’s current revenue of one billion euros could see significant growth in the coming years.

Other global giants in the undersea cable industry: a sector dominated by the U.S. and China

Leading Companies in the Sector

The undersea cable industry is dominated by a few major international players, primarily from the United States and China, who wield considerable influence over global telecommunications infrastructure.

• SubCom (United States): An American company, SubCom is one of the largest players in the sector. It has installed numerous cables connecting the Americas to other continents. SubCom is also a preferred partner of American tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, installing cables to secure their data flows.
• NEC Corporation (Japan): NEC is a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, which handles a significant portion of global data traffic. Its submarine cable subsidiary is involved in major projects in Asia and also collaborates with American companies.
• HMN Tech (formerly Huawei Marine Networks) (China): Huawei Marine, acquired in 2020 by the Chinese Hengtong Group (81% stake), is a powerful player in the undersea cable industry. China uses these infrastructures to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe, consolidating its economic and technological influence globally. HMN Tech’s projects, particularly in Africa, are often seen as geopolitical tools serving Chinese strategic interests.
• Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon (United States): These tech giants have entered the undersea cable sector to meet their own connectivity needs and ensure direct control over communication infrastructures. Google has invested in several projects, including the Dunant cable connecting France to the United States, while Facebook and Amazon actively participate in transatlantic and transpacific projects. By developing their own cable networks, these companies limit dependence on traditional operators and bolster their global economic and technological power.

Ownership distribution of cables

Undersea cables are often financed by consortia—a group of companies including telecom operators, tech giants, banks, and sometimes governments. Ownership of cables is therefore divided among several stakeholders based on their financial contributions and participation in the project. For example, the Marea cable connecting the U.S. to Spain is jointly owned by Microsoft and Facebook. These details are publicly accessible.

Undersea cables: a major geopolitical issue

Owning or controlling undersea cables is of growing geopolitical importance. A former manager once said, “Whoever controls the infrastructure controls the power.” This holds true not only for terrestrial or radio infrastructures but even more so for those crisscrossing our seabeds or orbiting above us.

These infrastructures are not merely data highways; they are also strategic assets for national defense and security. Controlling access to these cables can provide geopolitical leverage and even serve as a pressure tool in the context of international tensions.

Africa has become a major battleground for control over digital infrastructure, including undersea cables. With about 60 cables now connecting the continent, this connectivity is seen as critical for economic and democratic development.

International players, particularly U.S. tech giants like Google and Meta, are heavily investing in new undersea cable projects around the continent. For instance, Google’s Equiano cable connects Portugal to South Africa via Nigeria and Namibia, while Meta’s 2Africa cable circles the African continent.

These investments reflect not only economic interests but also a desire to expand geopolitical influence across the continent. This race for undersea cables in Africa demonstrates how these infrastructures have become tools of soft power and influence in global digital geopolitics.

Geopolitical context: rising tensions and risks

The acquisition of ASN comes at a time when the security of undersea infrastructures is increasingly under threat. Recent incidents, such as the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, have highlighted the vulnerability of these networks. Suspicious activities, including those of Russian ships near undersea cables, have also raised concerns. France and its European and American partners are therefore increasingly mobilized to protect these critical infrastructures.

Undersea cables face various threats, ranging from sabotage to cyberattacks. Controlling this sector not only ensures the security of these infrastructures but also strengthens the digital resilience of France and Europe.

Tensions among major powers

Undersea cables are frequently at the center of international tensions, becoming a significant geopolitical issue. The United States and Europe are increasingly concerned about China’s growing influence in this domain, particularly the activities of Huawei Marine and cables connecting China to Africa and Latin America. Some Western governments fear these infrastructures could be used for espionage, sabotage, or cyber influence operations.

Recent activity by Russian ships near undersea cables in the Baltic Sea has also heightened fears of deliberate disruptions. These suspicious movements have led to increased surveillance and strengthened protective measures by Western nations. France, with support from the European Union, is working to safeguard these infrastructures against sabotage and foreign intrusions.

These infrastructures have also become a diplomatic bargaining chip. A country’s ability to control or threaten these communication networks can serve as a tool of leverage in international relations. For instance, China has used its influence over undersea cables as a negotiating point in trade and diplomatic discussions with other nations.

Acts of sabotage—real or potential—are a major concern. The 2022 Nord Stream gas pipeline incident underscored the vulnerability of undersea infrastructures, increasing vigilance around communication cables. Countries are developing resilience strategies, including diversifying cable routes and establishing alternative communication systems, such as satellite networks, to ensure necessary robustness.

Protection initiatives in Europe

In response to these threats, Europe, led by France, is multiplying initiatives to protect its undersea infrastructures. In 2022, the European Union launched a project to secure undersea cables, aiming to proactively monitor these infrastructures using drones and other maritime surveillance technologies. The European Commission is also advocating for increased collaboration with the United States to strengthen cable security.

France: a strategic hub for undersea cables

Thanks to this acquisition, France is further establishing itself as a connectivity hub in Europe. The country is already a major convergence point for undersea cables, particularly through Marseille.

Marseille has emerged as a major global digital hub, leveraging its unique geostrategic position in the Mediterranean and strategic decisions made during the renovation of its Marseille-Fos port. Over the past decade, the city has risen from 44th to 7th place among global digital hubs and is now on track to reach 5th place. Currently, 18 undersea cables are connected to Marseille, making the city a critical node for global Internet traffic.

This critical infrastructure connects Europe to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, carrying 99% of intercontinental Internet data.

The presence of these cables has attracted numerous data centers, particularly around the Marseille-Fos port, further strengthening the city’s strategic importance. Among the major cables landing in Marseille are 2Africa, mentioned earlier; Peace, the first Chinese cable of the Digital Silk Road; and more recently, Sea-Me-We-6, directly linking France to Singapore.

This concentration of digital infrastructure makes Marseille a key entry point for data into Europe, offering ultra-high-speed connectivity and minimal latency—both essential for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. This ensures Marseille’s strategic appeal in the digital landscape.

With ASN now under French control, the company collaborates with other industrial players like Orange Marine, further solidifying France’s central role in the global digital sector. By establishing itself in the undersea cable industry, France aims to become a key player in the global digital economy. Through its control of ASN, France can ensure better oversight of undersea cable projects serving Europe, providing a reliable alternative to infrastructures dominated by the United States and China.

Challenges for France

Despite its strategic advantage, France faces several challenges:

• Physical and Cybersecurity: Strengthening the protection of cables and landing stations remains a priority, requiring investments in cybersecurity and physical infrastructure to prevent espionage or sabotage attempts.
• Competition with Tech Giants: American and Chinese tech giants will continue investing in their own cables, increasing competition. France must develop partnerships and alliances within Europe to support its industry and compete with these players.
• Environmental Concerns: Seabed ecosystems are fragile, and constructing new cables must comply with environmental standards. France must ensure its projects minimize ecological impact.
• Fostering Innovation: To stay competitive, ASN must innovate in terms of cable capacity and resilience, particularly by developing ultra-high-capacity cables to meet the growing demand for bandwidth.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Alcatel Submarine Networks by the French government is part of a broader strategy to enhance digital sovereignty and protect critical infrastructure. By strengthening its control over undersea cables, France seeks to solidify its position as a key player in the digital domain and ensure its strategic independence in the digital sphere.

While this move comes later than others, it aims to transform this industrial asset into a true lever of power and influence for France on the international stage, preparing the country to face future geopolitical and environmental challenges. It’s never too late to act.

Sources and original article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/renforcement-de-la-position-