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28 Sep 2024

by Julie Preston

Cable Landing Stations

Guest blog by Julie Preston from Workspace Technology, as part of our Future Telecoms Campaign.

What are Cable Landing Stations

Cable Landing Stations are physical facilities located along the coast or near major waterways where submarine communication cables come ashore to connect with terrestrial networks. Submarine communication cables are the backbone of the global telecommunications network, carrying vast amounts of data across the world's oceans.

Cable Landing Stations are critical components of the global communications infrastructure because they provide the necessary infrastructure for terminating and managing the submarine communication cables. When a submarine cable arrives at a cable landing station, it is connected to terrestrial cables that link the station to other networks and data centres. These terrestrial cables can include fibre-optic cables, microwave towers, and satellite links.

In addition to providing connectivity to the global telecommunications network, Cable Landing Stations also play an important role in ensuring the reliability and security of the network. Cable Landing Stations are typically designed to withstand severe weather conditions and natural disasters, and they are often equipped with backup power supplies and redundant communication links to ensure that communications can continue in the event of an outage.

Cable Landing Stations are subject to strict security protocols to protect the integrity of the network. These protocols can include physical security measures such as access control and surveillance, as well as cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

Cable Landing Stations are essential components of the global telecommunications infrastructure, providing the necessary connectivity, reliability, and security to ensure that data can be transmitted across the world's oceans.

What part do data centres play in delivering Cable Landing Station services?

Data centres play a critical role in delivering Cable Landing Station services by providing the necessary infrastructure for managing and processing the vast amounts of data that pass through the submarine communication cables. When submarine cables terminate at a cable landing station, the data is typically routed to a nearby data centre for processing, storage, and distribution.

Data centres can provide a wide range of services to Cable Landing Stations, including:

Data Storage.

Data centres can provide large-scale data storage solutions that enable Cable Landing Stations to store and manage the vast amounts of data that pass through the submarine communication cables.

Data Processing.

Data centres can provide the necessary computing power and processing capabilities for Cable Landing Stations to perform data analysis, run complex algorithms, and process large volumes of data in real-time.

Content Delivery.

Data centres can provide content delivery services that enable Cable Landing Stations to distribute data and content to users across the globe. This service can include caching, streaming, and content acceleration, all of which help to optimize the performance and reliability of the network.

Disaster Recovery.

Data centres can provide disaster recovery services that enable Cable Landing Stations to quickly recover from outages or disruptions. This service can include backup power supplies, redundant network connections, and other measures to ensure continuity of service.

Data centres provide a critical layer of infrastructure and services that enable Cable Landing Stations to deliver reliable, secure, and high-performance connectivity to the global telecommunications network. By providing the necessary storage, processing, and distribution capabilities, data centres play a crucial role in ensuring that data can be transmitted across the world's oceans with the speed and reliability required by today's digital economy.

What types or organisations own Cable Landing Stations?

Cable Landing Stations can be owned and operated by a variety of organizations, depending on the specific location and context. Here are some examples of organizations that commonly own and operate Cable Landing Stations.

Telecommunications Companies.

Many Cable Landing Stations are owned and operated by telecommunications companies that provide services such as internet, voice, and video communications. These companies invest in submarine communication cables and Cable Landing Stations to expand their global network and improve their service offerings.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

ISPs may own and operate Cable Landing Stations to provide high-speed internet connectivity to customers. These ISPs may be regional or global providers and may lease capacity on submarine cables to extend their service reach.

Consortiums.

In some cases, Cable Landing Stations are jointly owned and operated by a consortium of telecommunications companies or ISPs. This can be a cost-effective way to build and maintain the necessary infrastructure to connect to the global telecommunications network.

Governments.

Some Cable Landing Stations may be owned and operated by national governments or state-owned enterprises. These stations may be built to support national security or strategic objectives, or to provide connectivity to remote regions or islands.

Private Equity Firms.

In some cases, Cable Landing Stations may be owned and operated by private equity firms that specialize in infrastructure investments. These firms may invest in Cable Landing Stations to generate long-term returns and diversify their investment portfolios.

Cable Landing Stations are owned and operated by a range of organizations, reflecting the diverse range of stakeholders involved in the global telecommunications industry.

What companies are the biggest operators of Cable Landing Stations?

There are several major telecommunications companies that operate Cable Landing Stations around the world. Here are some of the biggest operators of Cable Landing Stations, based on the number of stations they operate:

EXA Infrastructure: EXA is a privately-owned telecommunications company that operates a global network of submarine communication cables and Cable Landing Stations. The company was founded in 2010 and has since become a major player in the telecommunications market, offering high-speed internet, voice, and data services.

In addition to its Cable Landing Stations and submarine cables, EXA also offers a range of other telecommunications services, including cloud services, data centre solutions, and managed network services.

China Telecom Global: China Telecom Global is one of the largest operators of Cable Landing Stations with more than 30 stations in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Tata Communications: Tata Communications operates a global network of Cable Landing Stations, with a presence in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Telstra: Telstra is one of the largest telecommunications companies in Australia and operates a number of Cable Landing Stations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Orange: Orange is a major telecommunications company based in France and operates a network of Cable Landing Stations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Vodafone: Vodafone is a global telecommunications company with a network of Cable Landing Stations in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

AT&T: AT&T is a major telecommunications company based in the United States and operates a number of Cable Landing Stations in North and South America.

Verizon: Verizon is another major telecommunications company based in the United States and operates a network of Cable Landing Stations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

These companies operate a significant portion of the global network of submarine communication cables and Cable Landing Stations, providing the necessary infrastructure to connect people and businesses around the world.

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