FCC Acts to Accelerate Submarine Cable Buildout & Security

The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to unleash the buildout of secure submarine cable infrastructure. Submarine cable systems carry roughly 99 percent of global internet traffic and are key to further extending America’s leadership in AI and next-generation technologies. The new rules streamline the submarine cable licensing process, give certainty to investors, and accelerate the timelines for building cables. The new rules also emphasize protecting submarine cable infrastructure from foreign adversary threats. The FCC's action follows the guidance of President Trump’s America First Investment Policy Memorandum—streamlining investment into the United States, coupled with restrictions on foreign adversaries that seek to exploit U.S. vulnerabilities and threaten American national security. The full report and order can be viewed here.