Unspooling the Legacy of Submarine Cables

Abstract

Submarine cables represent an invisible yet crucial infrastructure that enable all manner of global communication. Despite their impact, they are seldom a matter of public interest or debate. Further, they are uniquely represented in state, federal, and international legislation. Throughout history, legislative concerns surrounding submarine cables have shifted from colonial monopolies to environmental health and national security. The following document examines the evolution of submarine cables from the first transatlantic copper wire cable to the present fiber-optic cable boom through the legislative lens.