Shaping the Future of Subsea Telecoms
Grant-funded research, addressing critical challenges in global digital infrastructure
Projects
The SubOptic Foundation conducts applied research to explore key issues in global subsea telecom infrastructure and advance industry knowledge and drive meaningful change.
Current focus areas include:
Sustainable Subsea Networks
Sustainable Subsea Networks (SSN), established in 2019, brings together researchers and members of the industry to investigate and enhance the sustainability of the global subsea telecommunications network.
Strategic Resilience
Mobilizing critical research and education to enhance network security and reliability, with a focus on the Caribbean.
Sustainable Subsea Networks
Our first phase of the project, from 2021-2023, generated a Report on Best Practices in Subsea Telecommunications Cable Sustainability, and the first Congress on Sustainability in the subsea industry at SubOptic 2023.
In the second phase of the project, from 2023-2025, we released a carbon footprint calculator, a marine emissions worksheet and a report on metrics for Cable Landing Stations.
The third phase, from 206-2028, focuses on expanding the carbon footprint model and establishing long-term support for industry sustainability.
Since 2021, SSN has published over thirty articles in the Submarine Telecoms Forum column dedicated to the group's work.
Best Practices in Subsea Cable Sustainability
The Best Practices in Subsea Cable Sustainability was the culmination of two years of research conducted between 2021 and 2023 by academic researches and industry members. It documented an array of best practices in sustainability for the subsea cable industry.
Sustainable Subsea Networks Map
In collaboration with TeleGeography, we developed a Sustainable Subsea Networks Map. This map represents the best practices of twenty companies involved in the construction, operation, maintenance, or recovery of subsea cables. It offers a snapshot of the diverse contributions of this global industry.
Congress on Sustainability
The SubOptic Foundation Congress on Sustainability, an event that made subsea history as the first intentional gathering of members from across sectors and around the world to discuss metrics for sustainability in the subsea cable industry. It gathered industry leaders to share insights from ongoing initiatives and potential strategies for the cable networks of the future.
Sustainable Subsea Networks Report
In Phase 2 of the Sustainable Subsea Networks' work, academic researchers and SubOptic members came together in Working Groups to develop sustainability metrics for subsea cable systems. These groups tackled the entire lifecycle of cable with the overarching goal to create more sustainable subsea networks.
Report on Best Practices in Cable Landing Station Sustainability
Best Practices in Cable Landing Station Sustainability report is the result of the first collaborative survey of cable landing station sustainability in the subsea industry. It was developed by the SSN Cable Landing Station (CLS) Working Group, led by Vedrana Stojanac of Ciena, and presented broadly at industry events. The CLS Sustainability ReportIt provides guidance on the array of metrics, frameworks, standards, and best practices that can be used to enhance the sustainability of the subsea cable landing station.
Marine Vessel Emissions Worksheet
The Sustainable Subsea Networks Marine Working Group, led by René d'Avezac de Moran of OMS, developed a worksheet fo marine vessel emissions scenarios for transatlantic and transpacfic subsea cable.
Carbon Emissions Calculator and Life Cycle Assessment
Led by Emmanuel Danjou of ASN alongside academic researchers Nicole Starosielski, Anne Pasek and Kaihui Song, the SSN Cable Working Group developed the first peer-reviewed carbon footprint for a transatlantic and transpacific subsea cable. Suppliers from across the industry have worked collaboratively with academic researchers to develop shared models. The group also developed the first standard Life Cycle Assessment Diagram of the Industry.
Second SubOptic Congress on Sustainability
The Second SubOptic Foundation Congress on Sustainability was held in Lisbon in 2025. It took the form of a play, “The Case of the Missing Emissions,” in which young students visited sites around the world and learned from subsea industry members about the hidden world of subsea cable sustainability.
Recovery & Recycling Working Group
Led by Simon Appleby of Subsea Environmental Services, Alwyn du Plessis of Mertech Marine, and Bobby Melville of OEC, the Recovery and Recycling working group developed a white paper on the operating environment for companies working in cable recovery and recycling, including its challenges and benefits. This includes the calculation of the emissions savings for recovery and recycling in a peer-reviewed study.
Strategic Resilience in the Caribbean:
A Landmark Subsea Cable Study
How resilient is the Caribbean’s digital backbone? With 99% of international data traveling through subsea fiber-optic cables, any vulnerability is a risk to regional stability. Our latest report, "Strategic Resilience in the Caribbean," provides a first-of-its-kind roadmap to securing this critical infrastructure.
Developed by the SubOptic Foundation (US), this study marks the culmination of a year of intensive research into the region’s digital future. Funded by a grant from the Internet Society Foundation (ISOC Foundation), and assessed in a rigorous peer-review process, the report moves beyond technical fixes to offer a holistic "Strategic Network Resilience" framework. Featuring in-depth case studies on several Caribbean islands, it outlines how state cooperation and stakeholder collaboration can safeguard the region’s digital future.
.jpeg)
Support Our Mission
As we conclude this first phase, we are actively seeking partners to help us scale. We encourage our members to consider grant matching to help us secure Phase 3 funding and offer opportunities to emerging young leaders in the region.
The Voices Behind the Research
The SubOptic team collaborated with young people across the region who were selected as part of the Youth Advisory Board. These emerging leaders conducted research and outreach on network resilience.
Federica Tortorella
Federica Tortorella is a lawyer and digital rights enthusiast based in the Dominican Republic. She holds a Master Degree in Risk...
Luis Torres
Luis Torres is a 17-year-old high school student from the U.S. Virgin Islands, born in St. Croix. Having lived in Florida, Puerto...
Aidé Carrillo
Aidé Carrillo is an optical pre-sales engineer at Nokia, based in Mexico City. During her college years, she participated in initiatives...
Ari Shaw
Ari Shaw is a communications specialist with nearly a decade of experience in journalism, public relations, and media strategy....
%201.png)
Bernisha Moreau
Bernisha Moreau is a student from the Commonwealth of Dominica, currently studying Computer Science and....
Resilient Digital Infrastructure Fellowship
Putting the Report’s recommendations into action, the SubOptic Foundation (US) is currently looking for emerging leaders in the region for the Resilient Digital Infrastructure Fellowship.
Discover the Latest News
Stay informed with our latest blog posts and news articles.
