15 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

EconomyScience & TechnologyInternational RelationsNEWS

Bharti Airtel a Major Investor in Undersea Cable Infrastructure

Bharti Airtel is a major investor in undersea cables connecting India.

Bharti Airtel is among the largest investors in undersea cables, connecting Indian networks to the global Internet, according to Sharat Sinha, Airtel Business CEO. Airtel operates India’s largest undersea cable portfolio, with over 400,000 route kilometers across 50 countries and investments in more than 34 systems. These cables are crucial for transporting content to India and enabling international data exchange.

India has over 400 terabits per second of capacity on these cables. Bharti Airtel suggests policy changes to encourage more subsea cables to land in India, including tax exemptions, customs duty reductions, and streamlined permit processes.

Key Facts

Bharti Airtel operates India’s largest undersea cable portfolio.

Airtel has over 400,000 route kilometers of undersea cables across 50 countries.

Airtel has investments in more than 34 systems.

India has over 400 terabits per second of capacity on these cables.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III: Infrastructure, Investment Models

Connects to Digital India initiative and telecom sector development

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on infrastructure development

In Simple Words

Undersea cables are like the invisible wires that connect India to the rest of the world's internet. They help us access websites, send emails, and make video calls with people in other countries. Airtel is investing a lot in these cables.

India Angle

For a shopkeeper, this means faster online transactions and better access to suppliers. For a student, it means smoother online classes and research. For a farmer, it means quicker access to agricultural information and markets.

For Instance

Think of it like building a new highway. It allows more cars to travel faster, reducing traffic jams. Similarly, these cables allow more data to flow quickly, improving internet speeds.

Faster and more reliable internet helps everyone, from businesses to students, stay connected and access information. It boosts the economy and improves daily life.

Undersea cables are the backbone of our global internet connection.

Visual Insights

Key Stats on Bharti Airtel's Undersea Cable Investments

Highlights key statistics from the article regarding Bharti Airtel's undersea cable infrastructure investments.

Undersea Cable Route Kilometers: 400,000+
Countries Connected: 50+
Undersea Cable Systems Invested In: 34+
India's Undersea Cable Capacity: 400+ Tbps

Bharti Airtel's Undersea Cable Network: Global Reach

Illustrates the extensive global reach of Bharti Airtel's undersea cable network, connecting India to various countries.

Loading interactive map...

📍India📍United Kingdom📍Singapore📍United States📍Japan📍Egypt

More Information

Background

Undersea cables are the backbone of the modern internet, carrying over 95% of intercontinental data traffic. The first transatlantic telegraph cable was laid in 1858, connecting Europe and North America. This marked the beginning of global communication networks. These early cables used Morse code for communication. Over time, technology advanced from telegraph cables to coaxial cables and then to fiber optic cables. Fiber optic cables, which use light to transmit data, significantly increased bandwidth and speed. The development of optical amplifiers allowed for longer cable lengths without signal degradation. This evolution enabled the high-speed internet we rely on today. The laying and maintenance of undersea cables involve complex engineering and logistical challenges. Specialized ships are used to deploy the cables along carefully surveyed routes. The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) plays a crucial role in promoting cable protection and minimizing damage from human activities and natural events. These cables are vital for global connectivity and economic growth. India's engagement with undersea cables is crucial for its digital economy and international connectivity. The country's strategic location makes it a key hub for data traffic between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Policies that encourage investment in subsea cable infrastructure can further enhance India's role in the global internet ecosystem. This will support the growth of sectors like IT, e-commerce, and digital services.

Latest Developments

The demand for data continues to grow exponentially, driven by factors like streaming video, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This increasing demand is pushing the need for greater bandwidth and more robust undersea cable infrastructure. Companies are investing in new cables with higher capacities to meet this demand. The telecommunications industry is constantly innovating to improve data transmission speeds and reduce latency. Several new undersea cable projects are underway to connect different regions and improve global connectivity. These projects often involve partnerships between multiple companies and governments. The cables are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and potential threats like earthquakes and ship anchors. The regulatory environment plays a crucial role in facilitating these projects and ensuring fair competition. Looking ahead, the role of undersea cables will only become more critical as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. Technologies like 5G and 6G will further drive the demand for high-speed data transmission. Governments are recognizing the strategic importance of undersea cables and are implementing policies to attract investment and promote infrastructure development. This will ensure that countries have access to reliable and high-quality internet connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about Bharti Airtel's undersea cable investments that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Bharti Airtel is a significant investor in undersea cables. It operates India’s largest undersea cable portfolio, with over 400,000 route kilometers across 50 countries and investments in more than 34 systems. These cables are crucial for international data exchange.

•Airtel operates over 400,000 route kilometers of undersea cables.
•Airtel's network spans 50 countries.
•Airtel has invested in over 34 undersea cable systems.
•India has over 400 terabits per second of capacity on these cables.

Exam Tip

Remember the key numbers (400,000 km, 50 countries, 34 systems) for potential matching questions in Prelims.

2. Why are undersea cables important for India's digital infrastructure?

Undersea cables are the backbone of the modern internet, carrying over 95% of intercontinental data traffic. They are crucial for transporting content to India, enabling international data exchange, and supporting the growing demand for data driven by streaming video, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

3. What policy changes are suggested to encourage more subsea cables to land in India?

Bharti Airtel suggests policy changes to encourage more subsea cables to land in India. These include tax exemptions, customs duty reductions, and streamlined permit processes.

4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of India becoming a major hub for undersea cable landings?

Becoming a major hub could boost India's digital economy and improve internet access. However, it also raises concerns about data security, potential dependence on foreign companies, and the environmental impact of cable installation and maintenance.

5. How does the historical context of undersea cables relate to current developments in the telecommunications industry?

The first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1858 marked the beginning of global communication networks. Current developments focus on increasing bandwidth and capacity to meet the exponential growth in data demand, driven by factors like streaming video and cloud computing. The telecommunications industry is constantly innovating to improve cable technology.

6. What is the significance of Sharat Sinha's role in Bharti Airtel's undersea cable investments?

Sharat Sinha, as Airtel Business CEO, highlights Bharti Airtel's position as a major investor in undersea cables. His statements emphasize the company's commitment to connecting Indian networks to the global Internet and advocating for policy changes to facilitate further infrastructure development.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding undersea cables: 1. They carry over 95% of intercontinental data traffic. 2. Bharti Airtel operates India’s largest undersea cable portfolio with over 400,000 route kilometers across 50 countries. 3. India has over 400 terabits per second of capacity on these cables. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. Undersea cables are indeed the backbone of intercontinental data transfer, carrying over 95% of the traffic. Bharti Airtel operates a large portfolio as stated. India's capacity on these cables is also over 400 terabits per second. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

2. Which of the following is NOT a suggested policy change by Bharti Airtel to encourage more subsea cables to land in India? A) Tax exemptions

A.Tax exemptions
B.Customs duty reductions
C.Streamlined permit processes
D.Increased spectrum auction frequency

Show Answer

Answer: D

Bharti Airtel has suggested policy changes including tax exemptions, customs duty reductions, and streamlined permit processes to encourage more subsea cables to land in India. Increased spectrum auction frequency is not mentioned as a suggestion in the provided summary. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

3. The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) is primarily concerned with: A) Promoting the manufacturing of undersea cables

A.Promoting the manufacturing of undersea cables
B.Protecting undersea cables from damage
C.Regulating the pricing of internet services
D.Developing new technologies for data transmission

Show Answer

Answer: B

The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) plays a crucial role in promoting cable protection and minimizing damage from human activities and natural events. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.