International Cable Protection Committee

Monday 4 September 2017: Multiple Cable Breaks off Hong Kong due to Typhoon Action

Tuesday, 05 September 2017

The ICPC is aware of multiple cable failures in the region of Hong Kong that are affecting the speed of Internet communications on some routes. The ICPC does not have any operational responsibility for the international submarine cable network, therefore its officers do not have any knowledge of the cause of this problem or what is being done to rectify it.

The primary purpose of the ICPC is to help its members to improve the security of their cables by providing a private forum in which relevant technical, legal and environmental information can be exchanged. In the aftermath of multiple cable failures, the ICPC will routinely consult its members after repair operations have been completed to see what lessons can be learned. Sometimes this exercise results in a Press Release from the ICPC, as happened following the Hengchun Earthquake on 26 December 2006. The Press Release on the Hengchun Earthquake can be found here [?]. Background information on submarine cables can be found here. The About Submarine Telecommunications Cables [?] presentation is particularly recommended. Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.

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The Latest Insights into Submarine Cables and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Friday, 30 June 2017

LYMINGTON, United Kingdom—There is much anticipation and anxiety in the air at the United Nations in New York City, USA this July. Many observers understand that a potentially very significant change in the international law regarding oceans looms ahead. The forthcoming PrepCom 4 meeting, held at the UN headquarters, will review many complex issues associated with activities on the high seas beyond national jurisdiction. Issues include both scientific and legal aspects arising under the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS)—one of the world’s most successful pieces of international legislation.