Who We Are

Connecting the World Through Innovative Industry Collaboration and 
Strategic Philanthropy

The SubOptic Associaton and Foundation work together to advance the global submarine cable industry through a unique synergy of collaboration, innovation, and philanthropy.

Our Mission and Vision

“To be the voice of the industry, promoting innovation and sustainability of the global communications fabric”

We were founded on the belief that we should openly share ideas and address issues in a neutral forum representing the ecosystem of the global submarine communications industry.

“To inspire, engage, and enlighten those who work within, or show interest in joining the subsea telecoms industry”

To attract, inspire, and empower the next generation of subsea telecom professionals through education and research, ensuring a broad-based, inclusive, and innovative workforce that addresses the important evolving challenges of the industry and supports the long-term growth of sustainable global connectivity.

Our Story

SubOptic’s journey began with a vision: to accelerate the growth and innovation of subsea optical fibre communications, through collaboration across the industry. 



Since its inception, SubOptic has evolved into the cornerstone of the industry, fostering partnerships, advancing technologies, and empowering professionals across the globe.

1986

SubOptic is founded to provide a forum for the submarine telecoms cable industry. SubOptic 2025 takes place between 2-5 June in Lisbon, Portugal. 

1986

SubOptic is founded to provide a forum for the submarine telecoms cable industry. SubOptic 2025 takes place between 2-5 June in Lisbon, Portugal. 

1992

Second SubOptic Conference takes place in Versailles, led by Jean Devos

1992

Second SubOptic Conference takes place in Versailles, led by Jean Devos

1997

SubOptic San Francisco takes place, led by Jean Devos

1997

SubOptic San Francisco takes place, led by Jean Devos

2001

SubOptic Kyoto takes place, led by Alan Robinson

2001

SubOptic Kyoto takes place, led by Alan Robinson

2004

SubOptic Monaco takes place, led by Alan Robinson

2004

SubOptic Monaco takes place, led by Alan Robinson

2007

SubOptic Baltimore takes place, led by Fiona Beck. The conference is entitled ‘Enabling Global Communications’

2007

SubOptic Baltimore takes place, led by Fiona Beck. The conference is entitled ‘Enabling Global Communications’

2010

SubOptic Yokohama takes place, led by Fiona Beck. The conference is entitled ‘Enabling the Next Generation of Seawards & Services’

2010

SubOptic Yokohama takes place, led by Fiona Beck. The conference is entitled ‘Enabling the Next Generation of Seawards & Services’

2013

SubOptic Paris takes place. Entitled ‘From Ocean to Cloud’, it draws upon the technical and commercial evolution that has taken the industry from the telegraph to the seamless integration represented by cloud services today.

2013

SubOptic Paris takes place. Entitled ‘From Ocean to Cloud’, it draws upon the technical and commercial evolution that has taken the industry from the telegraph to the seamless integration represented by cloud services today.

2016

SubOptic Dubai takes place. The ninth conference is attended by nearly 700 attendees, from over 50 countries and representing over 280 organisations.

2016

SubOptic Dubai takes place. The ninth conference is attended by nearly 700 attendees, from over 50 countries and representing over 280 organisations.

2019

SubOptic New Orleans takes place, led by Paul Gabla and Erick Contag as joint Presidents. The tenth edition, with over 900 attendees, showcases expert insights and reaffirms its role as the leading global submarine telecoms conference.

2019

SubOptic New Orleans takes place, led by Paul Gabla and Erick Contag as joint Presidents. The tenth edition, with over 900 attendees, showcases expert insights and reaffirms its role as the leading global submarine telecoms conference.

2019

The first Optical Submarine Networks Symposium takes place in Japan, attended by 100 people

2019

The first Optical Submarine Networks Symposium takes place in Japan, attended by 100 people

2019

The first SubOptic summer school is launched in Finland

2019

The first SubOptic summer school is launched in Finland

2020

During COVID-19, SubOptic hosts the Spotlight Series: online events where industry experts discuss various issues related to submarine telecoms.

2020

During COVID-19, SubOptic hosts the Spotlight Series: online events where industry experts discuss various issues related to submarine telecoms.

2021

The first English edition of the Mentorship Programme features 15 mentors and 16 mentees

2021

The first English edition of the Mentorship Programme features 15 mentors and 16 mentees

2022

CrewTube is launched: a SubOptic Foundation initiative to provide an online library of personal, short videos which document important aspects of the submarine cable industry.

2022

CrewTube is launched: a SubOptic Foundation initiative to provide an online library of personal, short videos which document important aspects of the submarine cable industry.

2022

The third Summer School takes place. The Subsea OFC school is founded by the SubOptic Foundation, Google, and Opita Foundation.

2022

The third Summer School takes place. The Subsea OFC school is founded by the SubOptic Foundation, Google, and Opita Foundation.

2022

The second English edition of the Mentorship Programme features 25 mentors and 26 mentees

2022

The second English edition of the Mentorship Programme features 25 mentors and 26 mentees

2023

SubOptic Bangkok 2023 takes place, led by Paul Gabla. The eleventh edition ‘For the Industry, by the Industry’, is the most attended yet, and features groundbreaking insights from leading global experts.

2023

SubOptic Bangkok 2023 takes place, led by Paul Gabla. The eleventh edition ‘For the Industry, by the Industry’, is the most attended yet, and features groundbreaking insights from leading global experts.

2023

The inaugural SubOptic Foundation Congress on Sustainability unites industry leaders to refine sustainability metrics, improve the subsea industry's carbon footprint, and shape actionable goals across a cable's lifecycle.

2023

The inaugural SubOptic Foundation Congress on Sustainability unites industry leaders to refine sustainability metrics, improve the subsea industry's carbon footprint, and shape actionable goals across a cable's lifecycle.

2023

The Sustainability Map goes live - created by Telegeography with the significant output of the SubOptic Foundation, and Nicole Starosielski and her team's research work on sustainability.

2023

The Sustainability Map goes live - created by Telegeography with the significant output of the SubOptic Foundation, and Nicole Starosielski and her team's research work on sustainability.

2023

The third English edition of the Mentorship Programme features 17 mentors and 17 mentees

2023

The third English edition of the Mentorship Programme features 17 mentors and 17 mentees

2023

The first Spanish edition of the Mentorship Programme features 11 mentors and 13 mentees

2023

The first Spanish edition of the Mentorship Programme features 11 mentors and 13 mentees

2024

The report on Best Practices in Subsea Telecommunications Cable Sustainability is published. It offers insights on CO₂ emissions mitigation efforts for subsea telecommunications cables, the global infrastructure that supports over 99% of the world’s transoceanic internet traffic.

2024

The report on Best Practices in Subsea Telecommunications Cable Sustainability is published. It offers insights on CO₂ emissions mitigation efforts for subsea telecommunications cables, the global infrastructure that supports over 99% of the world’s transoceanic internet traffic.

2024

The Open Cables Working Group goes dormant after five years of collaboration. Key achievements include foundational papers, contributions to ITU-T G.977.1, and impactful sessions at SubOptic. Its work on GSNR, capacity, and spectrum sharing continues, with a new group focusing on spectrum sharing.

2024

The Open Cables Working Group goes dormant after five years of collaboration. Key achievements include foundational papers, contributions to ITU-T G.977.1, and impactful sessions at SubOptic. Its work on GSNR, capacity, and spectrum sharing continues, with a new group focusing on spectrum sharing.

2024

The regional/local language symposia are rebranded WAVE. In 2024, WAVE held WAVE events in Tokyo, London, Lisbon, and Paris.

2024

The regional/local language symposia are rebranded WAVE. In 2024, WAVE held WAVE events in Tokyo, London, Lisbon, and Paris.

2025

SubOptic Lisbon is coming in 2025, entitled ‘Future-proofing our digital landscape’.

2025

SubOptic Lisbon is coming in 2025, entitled ‘Future-proofing our digital landscape’.

2025

The fourth English edition of the Mentorship Programme will take place. Applications are now closed, and 28 mentors and mentees are being matched.

2025

The fourth English edition of the Mentorship Programme will take place. Applications are now closed, and 28 mentors and mentees are being matched.

2025

The second Spanish Edition of the Mentorship Programme is looking for mentors and mentees

2025

The second Spanish Edition of the Mentorship Programme is looking for mentors and mentees

Working Together for the Industry

The SubOptic Association fosters industry collaboration, engages members, and drives working groups to identify critical issues and priorities. As the Association's philanthropic arm, the SubOptic Foundation is supported by grants and fundraising to conduct peer-reviewed research, develop educational programs, and deliver global symposia. Together, they take a holistic approach, ensuring research outcomes are translated into actionable recommendations for best practices and industry improvements.

SubOptic Association

The Association provides a neutral platform for industry leaders, professionals, and organisations to share knowledge, establish best practices, and drive innovation. Through its working groups, events, and initiatives, the Association fosters meaningful connections that advance the industry.

SubOptic Foundation

The Foundation extends the mission of the Association through a focus on education, research, and philanthropy. By supporting the next generation of industry leaders, funding sustainability and resilience studies, and raising resources for impactful projects, the Foundation ensures the long-term growth and inclusivity of the submarine cable industry.

Awareness
Publications
Access key resources
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Next Gen
The future of our industry
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Education
WAVE Symposia
Bringing together industry experts
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Educational Programmes
Inspiring the next generation
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Research
Sustainability Report
Subsea best practices guide
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Strategic Resilience Project
Enhancing network security and reliability
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Knowledge
Resources
Collection of past paper  and presentation.
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Industry News
Collection of SubOptic Industry news.
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Innovation
Our Partners
Bringing together our industry partner
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SubOptic 2025
Leading submarine telecoms conference.
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Collaboration
Working Groups
Bringing together industry expert
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Industry News
The latest news and updates from our industry
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Awareness

We promote and support events, resources and initiatives to promote awareness of the subsea telecommunications industry.

Sustainability

Our strategic initiatives promote best practices in sustainability, and act as an exemplar for the wider submarine industry.

Human Capital

We believe in investment in people is vital to the future of the submarine cable industry which is why we offer a comprehensive Next Gen programme. 

Inclusive Industry Collaboration

Member-led Working Groups, including representatives from across the industry, are key in delivering the aims and objectives of the Association.

Join Us on Our Mission

Be part of the global movement shaping the future of submarine cable connectivity. SubOptic offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by:

  • Becoming a Member: Collaborate with leaders, access resources, and drive innovation.
  • Supporting Our Foundation: Fund education, research, and sustainability initiatives.
  • Learning More About Our Work: Explore how we’re transforming the industry through innovation and collaboration.