1.5
SYSTEM GROWTH
T
he submarine cable industry continues to adapt and evolve in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its long-term impacts becoming more apparent. While initial disruptions were anticipated to manifest in 2020 and 2021, the more substantial effects on project timelines and completions have unfolded in the years following. Projects already in the pipeline before the pandemic generally maintained momentum, but those still in the early stages faced considerable delays, impacting the pace of new installations. It is important to recognize that the planning and preparation phase for submarine cable systems is often shorter than the subsequent installation and commissioning phases. Consequently, the number of completed systems in recent years has lagged behind pre-pandemic forecasts. However, the past two years have seen steady recovery, culminating in a notable resurgence in 2024, which recorded the highest number of new systems installed over the last five years. Since the previous industry report, progress has continued across multiple regions. The year 2024 stands out as a pivotal year with 24 new systems coming online, reversing the downward trend observed since 2020. This surge in activity underscores the industry’s resilience and its continued importance in expanding global connectivity. Over the last five years, the submarine cable industry has seen considerable growth across several regions, with EMEA leading in system additions, totaling 34 during this period. The Indian Ocean region, however, has lagged behind, with only three new systems deployed. 2024 marked a significant increase in installations, with 24 38
SUBMARINE TELECOMS INDUSTRY REPORT 2024 | 2025
new systems, the highest in this timeframe, reversing the general downward trend observed in the preceding years. In contrast, 2023 saw the fewest additions, with just 10 new systems deployed. Comparing to last year’s report, where EMEA had added 35 systems over five years and the Indian Ocean was projected to add five, this year’s figures show a slight adjustment, particularly in the Indian Ocean region where only three new systems have been confirmed. The upward shift in 2024 indicates renewed momentum in the industry, especially in key regions like AustralAsia and EMEA. When shifting focus to the total kilometers of cable installed, a different narrative emerges compared to the number of new systems. The correlation between the number of systems added and the total kilometers of cable laid does not always align. For instance, in 2022, 18 new systems were installed, contributing to a total of 140,000 kilometers, while 2020 and 2021 saw similar system counts but much lower totals of 44,000 and 52,000 kilometers, respectively. In 2023, the trend held steady with a modest 35,000 kilometers of cable installed, in line with its low system count. However, 2024 marks a significant rebound, with
Figure 23: New System Count by Region, 2020-2024