News
Tuvalu shares experience protecting Vaka cable at APT Policy and Regulation Forum for Pacific – Read more
The Government of Tuvalu and the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) shared insights from policy and regulatory work to strengthen the protection of Vaka cable – Tuvalu's first subsea telecommunications cable at the 19th Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Policy and Regulation Forum (PRFP-19). Held in Funafuti, Tuvalu from 4–6 August 2026, the PRFP-19 brought together policymakers, and regulators from across the Pacific to share policy and regulatory approaches for advancing digital transformation in the Pacific including practical approaches to strengthening digital connectivity, resilience and critical infrastructure. The Government of Tuvalu and CCRC presented a session that showcased the development of a cable protection framework and supporting legislation for Vaka Cable. Vaka Cable is critical infrastructure providing reliable international connectivity and supporting enhanced opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth. Protecting this infrastructure is essential to ensuring Tuvalu remains connected now and into the future. Ms. Simalua Taliu, Permanent Secretary of the Government of Tuvalu’s Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation opened the session with an overview of Vaka Cable and the importance of practical measures, supported by effective legislative and regulatory settings, to safeguard this critical infrastructure. The session outlined the Government of Tuvalu and CCRC’s work to develop a locally led cable protection framework, provide policy advice to inform cable protection legislation, and support the legislative drafting process. This included how international best practice in subsea cable policy and protection is adapted to Tuvalu's legal, regulatory and operational context. CCRC also presented its Best Practice Toolkit, which provides practical guidance to Indo-Pacific governments to strengthen policy and regulation frameworks that govern the planning, protections and management of subsea telecommunications cables. The session highlighted the value of trusted partnerships, practical technical support and locally led approaches to strengthening cable protection. CCRC is proud to work alongside the Government of Tuvalu to strengthen the resilience of Vaka cable.
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Strengthening subsea cable resilience with ASEAN Member States – Read more
The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC), in partnership with Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), brought together ASEAN Member States in Singapore on 23–24 June for a workshop to promote subsea telecommunications cable protection, regulation and resilience. This built on earlier CCRC and IMDA collaboration to support the updating of ASEAN’s 2019 Guidelines for Strengthening Resilience and Repair of Submarine Cables. Subsea telecommunications cables carry around 99 per cent of international data traffic and form the backbone of the global digital economy. As demand for digital connectivity continues to grow, ensuring the resilience and protection of this infrastructure is now a priority for governments globally. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for ASEAN Member States to review national approaches and international best practice on the management of secure and resilient cables. Participants exchanged experiences and discussed practical approaches to strengthen policy, regulatory and operational frameworks for subsea telecommunications infrastructure. CCRC also launched its Best Practice Toolkit, which provides practical guidance to governments across the Indo-Pacific to strengthen policy and regulation for planning, protecting and managing subsea telecommunications infrastructure. The CCRC looks forward to continuing its engagement with ASEAN Member States and IMDA to support secure and resilient connectivity across our region.
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LEO satellite research launched at PITA conference – Read more
The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) launched its research report, Low Earth orbit satellites in the Pacific: Opportunities, risks, and governance for resilient connectivity, at the 30th Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) AGM, Business Forum and Expo. Held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, from the 13 – 17 April 2026, PITA is a key regional platform for Pacific connectivity discussions, bringing together governments, regulators, industry, development partners and more. The Australian Government is pleased to be a member of PITA and attend the AGM each year, supporting regional knowledge sharing and strengthening links between governments and industry. CCRC’s research launched at the conference explores how LEO satellites can be most effectively integrated alongside submarine fibre cables. Key findings of the report are that subsea telecommunications cables remain the backbone of high-capacity connectivity across the Pacific, providing the lowest total cost of ownership over the long-term to meet growing demand, with LEO satellite systems a very important complementary layer - extending coverage, strengthening redundancy and improving resilience, particularly for remote areas and outer island communities, and during disasters or connectivity outages. CCRC was pleased to collaborate with the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), Network Strategies, Hibbard Consulting and McCann Consulting International to deliver a workshop for regulators and industry representatives. CCRC shared recent research findings, while Network Strategies presented a case study from Tonga examining the impact of LEO satellite services on local operators and outlining recommended regulatory measures to strengthen domestic competitiveness. These insights supported a robust discussion on the governance and management of LEO satellite systems in the Pacific. Participants underscored the need for coordinated policy and regulatory approaches to support emerging hybrid connectivity models as technologies continue to evolve. We thank PTC and PITA for their collaboration and partnership in delivering this workshop.Through its participation at PITA, the CCRC welcomed the opportunity to connect with key regional partners and work together to strengthen connectivity and resilience in Pacific islands countries. Click here for the full report.
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Peak industry-led body highlights need for collaboration to protect global connectivity – Read more
The 2026 International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) Plenary brought together governments, industry and experts to advance collaboration on protecting global connectivity. Australia was represented by the Director of the Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC), Nadia Krivetz, attending as a Government Observer. Held in Athens, Greece in April 2026, the 40th ICPC Plenary was themed ‘collaboration to protect global connectivity’ and focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of critical subsea cable infrastructure. Ms Krivetz participated in a panel discussion on regulatory and policy approaches to strengthening subsea cable protection and resilience. The discussion highlighted the role of effective policy and regulatory settings to support the security, reliability and ongoing operation of global cable networks. The Plenary provided an excellent opportunity to engage with industry leaders and other Government Observers, to exchange views and share insights on emerging trends and best practice in subsea cable policy and protection. More information about the 2026 ICPC Plenary is available here, on the ICPC website.
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Australia hosts Indonesian delegation to strengthen subsea cable cooperation – Read more
The Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) hosted a study tour for officials from the Government of Indonesia’s National Team for the Management of Subsea Pipelines and/or Cables. The visit brought together Australian Government agencies to share views on end-to-end subsea telecommunications cable governance, including permitting, protection and resilience. Discussions covered planning, installation, operation and repair, coordination across government, critical infrastructure risk mitigation and incident response. Delegates also met with private sector operators to better understand their decision making and explore how government and industry work together to support secure and reliable connectivity.The study tour supported Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to streamline its permitting processes, enhance transparency and strengthen cable protection settings, consistent with international best practice. It also advanced discussions on the viability of new fibre optic subsea cable links between Australia and Indonesia.The CCRC looks forward to continuing its partnership with Indonesia’s National Team to enhance digital connectivity between Australia and Indonesia.
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CCRC attends the International Subsea Cable Resilience Summit – Read more
Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre (CCRC) Director Nadia Krivetz represented the Australian Government at the Second International Subsea Cable Resilience Summit, held in February 2026, in Portugal.The Summit brought together governments, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, investors, subsea cable experts and international organisations to address pressing challenges facing subsea telecommunications cable systems. Discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation and resilience in subsea cables by promoting best practice policy and regulation, streamlining cable permitting, maintenance and repair processes and encouraging enhanced cable protection. The Summit endorsed the Porto Summit Declaration, which sets out practical, non-binding guidance to strengthen international cooperation and enhance the resilience and protection of subsea cable infrastructure worldwide. The Declaration provides a shared framework to support governments and industry in responding to evolving risks and safeguarding global connectivity. The full Declaration is available here.
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