The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved new rules aimed at streamlining the deployment and securing the integrity of submarine cable systems that carry 99% of global internet traffic. The action, taken on August 7, 2025, is positioned as a strategic move to bolster America’s leadership in artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies by expediting cable construction timelines, removing regulatory bottlenecks, and curbing foreign adversary influence.
The new rules adopt a presumption of denial for license applications from entities controlled by foreign adversaries, including China, and ban “covered” equipment deemed to pose national security risks. Additionally, the regulations introduce mandatory cybersecurity and physical security safeguards, limit capacity leasing to untrusted parties, and streamline the Commission’s licensing process to encourage private sector investment in critical submarine infrastructure. These changes align with directives from President Trump’s “America First Investment Policy Memorandum,” which emphasizes domestic investment while blocking foreign threats.
A Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) seeks input on additional measures, including exempting high-security license applicants from Team Telecom review and encouraging use of U.S.-based cable repair ships and trusted vendors abroad. As of December 2022, the FCC oversaw 90 submarine cable systems with more than 5.3 million Gbps of active capacity and 6.8 million Gbps in planned capacity for 2024.
“Today’s action secures and accelerates our subsea future by giving U.S. operators the clarity and tools they need to build out trusted cable systems while defending against foreign threats,” said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
🌐 Why it Matters: Submarine cables are foundational to the global internet, cloud platforms, and AI workloads. As geopolitical tensions rise, securing and expanding this infrastructure is essential for digital sovereignty and national resilience. The FCC’s new framework boosts investment certainty while hardening networks against foreign interference.
🌐 We’re tracking the latest developments in subsea cable infrastructure, policy, and deployments. Follow our ongoing coverage at: https://convergedigest.com/category/subsea/
