Resilience of telecommunication/ICTs
The resilience of global telecommunication and ICT networks is essential for maintaining connectivity, economic stability, and access to critical services during disruptions.
Telecommunications infrastructure relies on a complex ecosystem of interconnected systems, including:
- terrestrial networks
- submarine cables, which carry over 99% of international Internet traffic
- satellite systems that provide redundancy and connectivity in remote and underserved regions
Ensuring the resilience of this infrastructure is increasingly important as societies become more dependent on digital networks for essential services, emergency response, and economic activity.
Strengthening resilience through technology
New and emerging technologies are transforming approaches to strengthening telecommunications resilience.
Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced monitoring systems are enabling real-time risk detection, predictive maintenance of critical infrastructure, and faster responses to network disruptions.
At the same time, strengthening resilience requires agile policy frameworks, international cooperation, and continued investment in robust infrastructure and disaster preparedness to ensure that telecommunication and ICT services remain reliable during crises.
Submarine Cable Resilience Initiative
Submarine cables form the backbone of global connectivity, carrying the vast majority of international Internet traffic.
The Submarine Cable Resilience Initiative, led by ITU and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), is a multi-stakeholder effort to strengthen the protection, deployment, and repair of submarine cables that underpin global connectivity.
