Page 22 - IB April 2025

Mastering Submarine Cable Management in the Pacific

As access to the global internet becomes ever more
essential to all aspects of business, government, education,
health and social life, it is crucial for Pacific nations to
establish direct and efficient international connectivity
through submarine cables. These connections serve as vital
infrastructure, ensuring reliable high-speed access to global
networks, which supports economic growth, development,
and digital inclusion across the region. Their ongoing efficient
operations require specialised expertise at both the technical
and senior management levels. However, securing these skills
locally has often proved challenging. In some cases, Pacific
Island Countries (PICs) bring in experienced expatriates
to train local successors, while others support their local
leadership teams with external specialist assistance.
To effectively oversee a submarine cable system,
management must have a clear understanding of domestic
market challenges to best support their retail service provider
clients. Additionally, they should stay informed about regional
issues, industry developments affecting the submarine cable
sector, and maintain a network of professionals with shared OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
expertise and goals. Implementing a project is only the beginning; once the
This also extends to stakeholder management, as Ready for Service (RFS) milestone is reached, the focus shifts
management will inevitably be dealing with the often to ongoing operations, including maintenance and upgrades.
conflicting expectations of government, shareholders, retail This encompasses managing equipment operations and
service providers and funding agencies. Most cable projects handling commercial agreements with customers. From
in the Pacific are funded by one or more Multi-National a maintenance perspective, it involves coordinating with
Development Banks (MNDBs) or similar, that require very marine maintenance providers and ensuring that marine
specific reporting, pricing management and the delivery of and terminal equipment spares are readily available and
economic and social benefit to the community, which places up-to-date. Upgrades are mini versions of submarine cable
a heavy onus on management to both track and deliver implementation projects. Access to experienced support,
against these expectations. guidance, or advice can be invaluable in navigating these
complexities effectively!
PLANNING & MANAGING THE BUSINESS The good news for the region is that help is available!
A key guiding document for all stakeholders and managers Companies like Pacific Cables Management (PCM) provides
of submarine cables is the Business Plan, which must a focus of support at the C-level (CEO, CFO, COO, CTO,
encompass all the elements of running a submarine cable CMO), aiding management with strategy, planning,
system. The development and implementation of this operations and commercial components. One of the first
document is critical to success. The Business Plan includes adopters of such approach has been the Belau Submarine
the financial aspects; ensuring the wholesale pricing of Cable Corporation (BSCC) in Palau. The approach has led
capacity meets both the need for adequate revenues but to significantly lower cost to BSCC and has maintained the
also maintains competitiveness with alternatives and delivers effectiveness of the cable company as they transitioned from
on social and development goals. This is particularly relevant an overseas CEO to the local executive.
now that LEO satellites can provide low-cost connectivity
that, unless it is carefully managed, can create many FROM VISION TO VICTORY
undesirable side-effects for the country. MNDBs tend to For both Governments and Submarine Cable companies
place emphasis on this, together with minimising the cost alike, developing and sustaining a cable system requires
of capacity, while also meeting financial expectations of all extensive technical proficiency, meticulous planning,
stakeholders and managing competitive pressures – a fine and practical experience. The early years are particularly
balancing act. demanding, as installation, troubleshooting, and network
Another important aspect to consider in today’s connected optimization call for advanced skills to prevent inefficiencies
world is the increasing involvement of major OTT players like and maintain seamless functionality. Without sufficient
Google, Meta, and Amazon in Pacific submarine cables. It is expertise, navigating obstacles such as regulatory
essential for PICs to be equipped to handle their expectations compliance, competitive pressures, strategic technology
and strategies effectively. Navigating partnerships with these choices, MNDB expectation management and the creation
hyperscalers requires comprehensive expertise to protect of a robust business plan can become daunting. This
national interests and maximize potential benefits. At the underscores the critical role of experienced professionals in
same time, entrepreneurs are exploring opportunities to ensuring long-term stability, connectivity, and success.
develop new cables to meet the rising demand fuelled by AI
advancements. PIC leaders face pivotal decisions to ensure The Authors:
Pacific Cables Management (PCM) has been formed with four of the
these developments align with their countries’ priorities.
most experienced submarine cable executives in the region. The PCM
Successfully managing a submarine cable company team comprises Robin Russell, Paul McCann, John Hibbard and Gary Ayre
continues to be a significant challenge for Pacific nations. (www.pacificcablesmanagement.com)
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22 Islands Business, April 2025