The hype around artificial intelligence (AI) in data centers has never been greater and this panel discussion at the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) Conference discussed how we are transforming the world to drive AI. Industry leaders gathered to tackle the seismic shifts in data center infrastructure brought on by the surge in AI-driven workloads. Attendees were eager to hear how companies are preparing for the next wave of high-performance computing and what it takes to support GPU-driven infrastructure at scale.

Moderated by Michael Elias, Senior Equity Research Analyst at TD Cowen, the panel featured top executives shaping the future of digital infrastructure:

• Chris Sharp, CTO, Digital Realty
• Gil Santaliz, CEO, NJFX
• Jaime Leverton, CEO, Jaime Leverton Ventures & Advisory
• Bjorn Brynjulfsson, CEO, Borealis Data Center

Elias set the stage by directing the first question to Chris Sharp: What is required to run GPU-powered infrastructure, and how is Digital Realty adapting to meet the needs of high-performance computing?

Sharp began by acknowledging the unprecedented scale of AI’s growth and how it is fundamentally changing the way data centers operate. “The quantum’s that we’re talking about today, the momentum, the pacing—it’s astronomical,” he stated. “Digital Realty, currently has 2.7 to 2.8 gigawatts of IT load deployed, with an additional three gigawatts coming online in rapid succession.”

This doubling of capacity underscores the massive infrastructure shift required to support AI as a workload. He attributed this surge to transformers, the AI models behind ChatGPT, which have intensified power density and cooling demands. “Liquid cooling is now essential, with over 50% of Digital Realty’s capacity modular enabling densification up to 150 kW per rack for Nvidia deployments,” said Sharp.

The shift toward AI infrastructure brings additional challenges. AI racks can weigh up to 5,000 pounds, requiring reinforced floor structures to support their density. The demand for AI workloads has also increased cabling requirements by five times, adding to infrastructure complexity and costs. Sharp added, “Network efficiency has become a critical factor, with InfiniBand imposing distance limitations that require precise architectural design.”

“AI infrastructure extends beyond compute power. Connectivity through carrier-neutral facilities and subsea cables is just as crucial in enabling low-latency AI workloads,” Gil Santaliz adding that the critical role of connectivity in AI deployments is essential and secure.

By facilitating high-capacity traffic between subsea and terrestrial networks, NJFX enables AI workloads to function with minimal latency and maximum efficiency. Without this seamless connectivity, even the most advanced AI models risk becoming isolated and ineffective, unable to deliver real-time insights where they are needed most. “Connectivity is key,” Santaliz emphasized. “NJFX sits uniquely between Virginia and Boston, offering direct access to four subsea cables connecting Denmark, Norway, Ireland, and Brazil. This strategic positioning enables us to provide AI inference as a platform for global collaboration.”

Santaliz emphasized that AI inference, which allows trained models to generate rapid real-time data, remains uncertain who is leading the charge. “The population has to get access to these language models that are trained for production,” he said. “We’re going to see smaller, edge-performance five-megawatt deployments in population centers of 100 million people within five milliseconds.”

Deploying AI inference at this scale is not without challenges. “This isn’t a cheap sport,” Santaliz noted. “The cost of generators, transformers, and switchgear has doubled in the last 24 months due to supply chain issues. Bringing in five megawatts of power, plus the infrastructure to support liquid cooling, requires significant investment.”

Despite these hurdles, he believes a successful model will emerge. “Hyperscalers will keep inference within their existing campuses, while others may deploy in the New York metro area. The economics are staggering, but those who do it right will set the standard for the rest of the industry.” Santaliz also pointed to industry leaders like Digital Realty and Equinix as key players in this evolution, but emphasized that more capacity is needed. “The land grab has already happened—so now, where do you put these inference nodes?”

As AI continues to evolve, the panelists agreed that balancing compute power with strategic connectivity and infrastructure investment will be critical to meeting the demands of AI inference at scale.

The moderator transitioned to Jaime Leverton asking how organizations are navigating the infrastructure changes required for AI and high-performance computing. Leverton noted that many companies are seeking expert guidance rather than trying to figure it out in-house. “Things are moving rapidly, it’s not possible to do this on your own unless you’re working day in and day out,” she explained. “I see most organizations looking for external expertise, which I believe is a smart approach.”

Leverton also mentioned the increasing migration of power resources from Bitcoin mining to the data center space. “I was recently the CEO of a large, publicly traded Bitcoin mining company, and I’ve noticed more capital and operators from that sector shifting into traditional data centers,” she said. “It’s an interesting trend that isn’t widely discussed, but it’s shaping the infrastructure landscape.”

Jumping back into the discussion, Gil Santaliz expanded on the importance of power sourcing for AI workloads. “The power of GPU infrastructure is driving workloads closer to the source of energy,” he noted. “Moving data is more cost-effective than moving energy, which is why we’re seeing shifts like workloads migrating from continental Europe to the Nordics, where power is more abundant.”

Bjorn Brynjulfsson added how industries are repurposing existing infrastructure for AI expansion. “In Finland, we’re seeing old paper mills transformed into high-capacity data centers, tapping into hundreds of megawatts of available power. These types of conversions are creating new opportunities,” he explained. “For example, in Iceland, we’ve upgraded older facilities to support 50 kW per rack using direct air cooling while maintaining US standards.”

As AI scales, infrastructure will continue to adapt, blending new and traditional approaches to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

Sharp provided insights into the future of AI-driven infrastructure, emphasizing the need for efficient cooling solutions and modular liquid cooling integration. “Sufficient allocation of capital is what wins,” he stated. “At the core of our business, we have to be mindful of technological obsolescence while ensuring scalability.” No single design works universally, requiring companies to adapt based on location and climate conditions. Sharp cited a DGX deployment in the Nordics, where free air cooling significantly improved power usage effectiveness (PUE). “What’s unique about that facility is the ability to integrate liquid cooling efficiently, something that remains rare at scale,” he added.

Sharp emphasized that AI is not just a technology—it’s transforming every industry. “Enterprises that embrace AI will gain a major competitive edge,” he said. “Those thaat fail to adapt will struggle as AI reshapes workflows and business models. AI’s rise to the SaaS revolution, predicting that enterprises will increasingly buy AI-driven services rather than developing in-house solutions,” he noted.

Sharp also pointed to private AI deployments as a growing trend, with companies leveraging AI to gain deeper insights from their vast datasets. “Hyperscalers are leading in GPU deployments, but enterprises are realizing the importance of controlling their own data,” he explained. “We’ve moved from data lakes to data oceans, and having access to those insights is a major differentiator.”

With AI models becoming more sophisticated, the discussion underscored the importance of strategic cooling, efficient data management, and long-term infrastructure investments to support AI’s rapid expansion.

Shifting to Brynjulfsson, as the moderator asked how data centers can plan for a 20-year lifespan amid accelerating rack densities. He acknowledged the challenge of making long-term infrastructure decisions in a rapidly changing environment. “It’s tricky. You’re making investments with long-term impacts, and we’re currently building a PLC solution that’s auto-collect in size, targeting 130 kW on the DLC side,” he explained. “However people are already talking about 250 kW per rack, so we have to think ahead.”

When asked if planning for a 20-year timeframe is even realistic, Bjorn acknowledged that some infrastructure will remain, but upgrades will be inevitable. “We previously optimized for blockchain in 2019, using high power in a small footprint,” he shared. “But we knew we’d transition to HPC eventually, so we made our facilities upgradeable. We didn’t anticipate going beyond 150 kW per rack at the time, but we’ve had to add more busbars and power feeds.”

Bjorn noted it may make more sense to build from scratch rather than continually upgrading existing facilities, making planning a crucial part of the data center evolution strategy.

A critical issue emerged—the strain on utilities to meet the surging power demands for AI workloads. The industry is facing a paradox: while there is a significant land grab for AI deployments, the reality is that power availability is a bottleneck. This artificial demand risks stalling genuine, scalable AI infrastructure projects.

The key takeaway? If you have power and an operational facility, you’re in a strong position. Securing generators, transformers, and utility connections has become a multi-year process, and companies that fail to plan ahead may find themselves unable to execute AI deployments on schedule.

The industry must balance power constraints, infrastructure preparedness, and software optimizations to enable AI’s next phase. The future will likely see greater integration between AI inference and training models, shifting workloads dynamically based on available capacity.

“2024 has been a year of rapid land acquisitions, but 2025 will be defined by efficiencies—determining where AI inference should live and how it should scale,” Sharp added.

Panelists emphasized that AI inference is still in its infancy, and its architecture is evolving rapidly. No two models operate the same way, and as inference workloads become more specialized, they will require tailored infrastructure solutions. AI’s future will not be a one-size-fits-all model but rather a mix of edge inference, centralized processing, and optimized power distribution.

December 11, 2024 – Capacity CALA –  The panel discussion focused on the the critical intersection of technology, governance, and resilience in the face of natural disasters affecting the Caribbean/LatAm region. Moderated by Gil Santaliz, CEO and Founder of NJFX, the panel brought together industry leaders to discuss strategies for disaster preparedness, the role of technology in mitigation, and the essential partnerships between governments and private enterprises.

Introducing the Panelists

• Gil Santaliz, NJFX CEO and Moderator
• Andy Bax, Senior Partner for Digital Infrastructure at Cambridge Management Consulting
• Teresa Wankin, Secretary General of CANTO
• Matt Fouch, President and Co-Founder of Subsea Data Systems

Building Resiliency in the Caribbean: Technology, Collaboration, and Government Incentives

The Caribbean is no stranger to natural disasters. Each year, hurricanes, tropical storms, and other extreme weather events threaten the region’s critical digital infrastructure. At a recent discussion held at the PGA National Resort, industry leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders gathered to address the urgent need to strengthen connectivity and disaster preparedness. Moderated by Gil Santaliz, CEO and Founder of NJFX, the conversation drew on decades of collective experience to outline a path forward, combining innovative technology solutions with strategic policy and inter-regional collaboration.

“The Caribbean faces unique challenges in maintaining robust digital infrastructure amidst frequent natural disasters,” said Teresa Wankin, Secretary General of CANTO. She recalled the devastation created by Hurricane Maria, “The entire region felt the brunt of Maria, and in Puerto Rico, there was considerable damage to the landing stations, which left them out of connectivity for quite some time.”

Wankin emphasized that business continuity planning cannot be an afterthought. “We’ve seen time and time again the importance of business continuity planning, pre, during, and after,” she explained, highlighting CANTO’s efforts in uniting operators, cable companies, and regulators. “We worked with a private company to develop a framework for how to treat disasters. The importance of multiple landing stations to mitigate volcanic activity and regulatory challenges cannot be overstated within the region.”

Diversifying Infrastructure
Andy Bax, a Senior Partner at Cambridge Management Consulting with over 30 years of experience in building and operating submarine cable systems, stressed the necessity of resilient network architectures. “The economic model of diversifying landing sites and collaborating with South American networks can significantly reduce reliance on single points of failure,” he said. Sharing insights from his time in Indonesia after the tsunami, Andy underscored the importance of communication when catastrophe strikes. “When you’re in a disaster zone, the ability to communicate is absolutely critical.”

Andy’s perspective shed light on both the technological and policy components of resilience. “We architect networks with a plan for failure, ensuring that if one segment goes down, others maintain connectivity. It’s not just about technology—it’s about planning, outreach, and making sure everyone, from NGOs to local operators, knows how to respond.”

Turning to the future of infrastructure resilience, Matt Fouch, President and Co-Founder of Subsea Data Systems, discussed the technological advancements that are being place on wet cables, such as SMART Cables. These subsea cables would integrate sensors to monitor environmental and operational parameters in real time. “Smart cables are intended to be sensors connected to the cable, providing real-time data on seismic activity, pressure, and temperature,” said Fouch. “With smart cables, we can sense potential cable breaks before they happen, determine the cause, and respond proactively.”

Cost remains a barrier. “Our goal is to reduce the cost of sensor systems from $1.5 million to around $150,000, making it feasible to deploy smart cables across the Caribbean and Latin America,” Fouch explained. He acknowledged the economic hurdles but insisted the investment would pay dividends in disaster preparedness, “Funding remains a challenge, but the potential impact on resilience and safety is immense.”

Bridging the Economic Gap and Enabling Action Through Cooperation
Technology alone cannot solve these challenges if operators, governments, and businesses are not incentivized to implement it. Both Teresa and Andy agreed on the importance of government involvement. “Governments need to incentivize operators through mechanisms like the Universal Service Fund to invest in resilient infrastructure,” suggested Theresa. Andy concurred, noting that without financial support and a supportive regulatory environment, companies might resist investing in long-term projects that do not yield immediate returns.

Santaliz pointed out a case in Puerto Rico, where a state-of-the-art facility remained underutilized because operators could not justify the expense of relocating their equipment. “We have these beautiful, hurricane-hardened facilities, but without incentives, operators stay put,” Santaliz observed. This illustrates the need for public policies and partnerships that encourage migration into safer, more resilient infrastructure and networks.

Fouch underscored that the responsibility for funding and implementing such technologies should not fall solely on island nations. “Governments have funded nearly all the science that helps us understand climate impacts,” he said. “They need to step in here as well.” International agencies, including the United Nations, could play a role in coordinating early warning systems and sharing best practices across borders.

The panelists consistently returned to the theme of cooperation—between governments and industry, operators and regulators, and even across regions. “This is about finding ways to work together so that when disaster strikes, we’re not playing catch-up,” said Wankin. “We need a framework that allows everyone to respond quickly, effectively, and collectively.”

A Shared Responsibility
As the discussion wrapped up, the consensus was clear: building a more resilient infrastructure requires a multifaceted approach. It demands strategic investments in technology like smart cables, sensible policies and economic incentives from governments, and a sustained commitment to collaboration at every level.

“Collaboration with regulators and governments is essential to create an environment conducive to investment and resilient infrastructure,” Wankin reaffirmed. Fouch underscored the transformative potential of sensor-based networks, “The goal is to make these technologies accessible, so every island can monitor its environment and anticipate challenges before they become crises.”

Bax concluded by calling for continuous outreach and enforcement: “We must use available technologies to enforce protection measures and maintain outreach programs to safeguard our critical assets.”

The collective insights from the panel at Capacity CALA reflect a vision of a more secure, connected, and resilient Caribbean. By embracing innovation, fostering public-private partnerships, and ensuring that policies, incentives, and international cooperation are in place, the region can protect its infrastructure, reduce downtime during disasters, and ultimately safeguard the well-being and economic stability of its communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Collaboration is Crucial: Effective disaster preparedness requires seamless cooperation between operators, regulators, governments, and private enterprises.
• Embrace Technological Innovations: Smart cables with integrated sensors can provide real-time data and early warnings, significantly enhancing resilience.
• Diversify Infrastructure: Multiple and strategically located landing points ensure continuity of connectivity even when parts of the network are compromised.
• Government Incentives Needed: Public-private partnerships and supportive regulatory frameworks are essential to encourage investments in resilient infrastructure.
• Address Man-Made Risks: Developing protocols and enforcement mechanisms can mitigate the impact of intentional disruptions to critical communication networks.

The rapid expansion of data center capacity and the growing demands of AI were at the forefront of a recent executive panel discussion that brought together leaders from NVIDIA, CBRE, Supermicro, EXA Infrastructure, Bulk and NJFX. The panel explored critical issues shaping the industry now with AI’s transformative impact to emerging energy solutions for powering future infrastructure.

Stuart Dyer, First VP-Data Center Advisory at CBRE, outlined the unprecedented growth of data center capacity, driven by hyperscalers like AWS, Microsoft, and Google. By 2026, Northern Virginia alone will account for nearly a gigawatt of capacity, with over 75% pre-leased. The vacancy rate across North America remains a mere 1% underscoring the intense race for power and space.

In Europe, secondary markets such as the Nordics are emerging as key players, thanks to their focus on green energy. With the AI boom accelerating, these regions are becoming hotbeds for hyperscale tenants seeking sustainable and scalable solutions.

AI’s Influence on Data Center Design

Malcolm deMayo, VP Global Financial Services Trusted Advisor at NVIDIA, highlighted the critical role of data centers in supporting AI applications, such as weather prediction and insurance modeling. With Nvidia commanding 88% of the AI market, the need for low latency and efficient connectivity is paramount. The discussion emphasized the importance of subsea cables and scalable networks to support the ever-growing data transfer demands of AI inference and training.

Liquid cooling emerged as a key innovation for managing high-power density racks, with Super Micro showcasing advanced solutions like cold plates and liquid-cooled racks. These technologies not only enhance performance but also significantly reduce power consumption.

Advanced Cooling Solutions

Michael Watson, Senior Director, field Application Engineer at Super Micro, highlighted the company’s global presence and leadership in liquid cooling solutions for high-performance computing and AI. He outlined the challenges of managing heat in modern computing systems, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to meet the demands of increasingly dense workloads.

Watson detailed SuperMicro’s advanced product portfolio, including cold plates, cooling distribution units, and liquid-cooled racks, all designed to optimize cooling efficiency. These solutions significantly reduce power consumption while boosting performance, making them essential for AI-driven environments. Watson underscored the transformative impact of liquid cooling on the data center industry, offering scalable, efficient systems to support the growing demands of high-density AI workloads.

A Path to Sustainability

The conversation shifted to the future of power generation, with Hunter Newby addressing the pressing need for alternative energy solutions. Small cell nuclear reactors were identified as a potential game-changer, offering scalable and localized power sources for data centers. However, the 5-10 year timeline for regulatory approval poses challenges.

Panelists critiqued the inefficiencies of utility-based power systems, which often struggle with supply chain delays and outdated infrastructure. Hyperscalers like Google were urged to consider building their own power plants to bypass regulatory bottlenecks and meet immediate energy demands.

Kristian Kofoed-Solheim of Bulk Infrastructure highlighted Norway’s green energy advantage, leveraging hydropower to fuel sustainable data center operations. With key points discussing the Havfrue cable, the only cable connecting the United States to the Nordics providing access to these power sources. His remarks underscored Europe’s shifting stance on nuclear power and the growing reliance on renewable energy.

AI’s Impact on Network Design

Charles Thomas, VP Sales Engineer from EXA Infrastructure, highlighted the growing demand for high-bandwidth connectivity to support AI workloads. He outlined challenges in managing existing subsea systems and emphasized the need for software-defined networking to extend network capacity. Collaboration with partners and innovation in subsea systems are critical for handling the surge in data transfer demands fueled by AI.

Thomas also discussed the role of government funding in infrastructure projects, which can accelerate innovation. He emphasized how partnerships between private companies and public entities are essential for building and operating scalable data center solutions.

AI, Connectivity, and Partnerships

Gil Santaliz emphasized NJFX’s pivotal role as North America’s first carrier-neutral cable landing station, crucial for interconnecting continents and supporting AI applications. He highlighted NJFX’s infrastructure, which supports high-density data centers and seamless subsea cable connectivity essential for AI’s low-latency and high-bandwidth needs.

Santaliz pointed out the inefficiencies in traditional utility systems, such as equipment delays and domestic manufacturing constraints. He proposed nuclear power as a solution for data centers to bypass these utility challenges and achieve scalable energy generation.

Additionally, he discussed the complexities of water management in data centers with liquid cooling systems. NJFX’s flexible design accommodates advanced cooling technologies, meeting the increasing demand for AI and high-performance computing. Santaliz concluded by stressing NJFX’s commitment to adapting infrastructure for the evolving needs of AI-driven industries, ensuring efficiency and scalability.

Key Takeaways

1. AI Drives Growth: Hyperscalers and Fortune 1000 companies are accelerating demand for data center capacity to support AI workloads.
2. Energy Innovation is Critical: The transition to small cell nuclear reactors and green energy solutions is vital for scalable, sustainable growth.
3. Connectivity Matters: Low latency and high-bandwidth networks, powered by subsea cables, are essential for AI inference and real-time applications.
4. Collaboration Fuels Progress: Partnerships across the industry are driving innovation and addressing challenges in infrastructure and energy.

As the data center industry evolves, leaders must embrace innovative technologies and sustainable energy solutions to power the future of AI and digital infrastructure. This session offered a glimpse into the strategies and partnerships shaping the road ahead.

The hidden network of submarine cables that crisscross our ocean floors has become the backbone of global communication and commerce. Recent events in the Baltic Sea have once again thrust the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure into the spotlight. As European officials investigate the Baltic Sea disruptions, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. The intentional targeting of submarine cables not only threatens to sever communication links between nations for extended periods but also raises alarming questions about the security of our digital world. NJFX has long recognized the strategic importance of these undersea lifelines. In February, NJFX’s Critical Infrastructure Forum brought together financial executives to discuss the political risks threatening global connectivity. Little did we know that just weeks later, similar incidents would unfold in the Red Sea further emphasizing the foresight of our concerns. In this article, we’ll explore the recent events, their potential implications, and why proactive planning and early collaboration are more crucial than ever in safeguarding our global networks. As we navigate these turbulent waters, the lessons learned may well determine the resilience of our digital future.

Recent disruptions to undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea have raised concerns about potential sabotage and geopolitical tensions. On Sunday, a cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden (C-Lion1) was cut, followed by the disruption of a cable linking Finland and Germany (BCS East-West Interlink) on Monday. European officials have launched investigations into these incidents, which fit a pattern of attacks previously linked to Russia. In recent months, Russia has demonstrated increased interest in undersea cables, often patrolling near critical maritime infrastructure far from its own shores. This aligns with reports from US officials who, in September, warned that Russia was more likely to engage in potential sabotage operations. The timing and nature of these disruptions have heightened suspicions about Russian involvement, underscoring the vulnerability of vital communication infrastructure and the need for enhanced security.

The events early this year in the Red Sea have brought to light significant vulnerabilities in our global submarine cable and terrestrial network infrastructure. This is particularly concerning given our increasing reliance on digital connectivity worldwide. The over-dependence on just two main submarine cable systems (AAE-1 and SEA-ME-WE 5) for connectivity between Asia, Africa, and Europe, combined with the geographical bottleneck created by routing through Egypt, presents substantial risks. As we’ve seen, disruptions in one area can have far-reaching consequences on global connectivity. These challenges underscore the urgent need for more diverse routing options, increased collaboration within the industry, and improved adaptability to evolving global risks. As we advance into an era dominated by AI and other cutting-edge technologies, the resilience of our network infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial. The current situation presents an opportunity to reassess and reinforce our global connectivity strategies, ensuring that our foundational systems can robustly support the technological advancements of the future.

Subsea cables play a pivotal role in our interconnected world. These fiber optic cables running along the ocean floor form the backbone of the global internet and are crucial for international communications and financial transactions. Astonishingly, they carry between 95-99% of all international internet and voice traffic, highlighting their indispensable nature. In the realm of finance, nearly all cross-border transactions rely on these underwater lifelines, enabling real-time trading and international banking operations. The capacity of modern subsea cables is staggering with some capable of transmitting up to 160 terabits per second, meeting the ever-increasing demands of global internet traffic. For multinational corporations, these cables are essential to support seamless communication between global offices, enabling cloud services, and facilitating worldwide e-commerce. To ensure uninterrupted global connectivity, multiple cables often run between the same locations that provides crucial redundancy in case of damage or disruption. The security and maintenance of subsea cables have become major concerns for governments and businesses worldwide recognizing that any disruption could have far-reaching consequences for global communication and economic activities.

Network infrastructure faces various threats including sabotage, accidental damage, and natural disasters. Deliberate sabotage can involve cyberattacks on power grids or physical attacks on facilities, while accidental damage may occur from ship anchors damaging undersea cables. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can also severely impact infrastructure. These events can lead to service disruptions, economic losses, and safety hazards. To mitigate these risks, organizations implement enhanced security measures, regular maintenance, redundant systems, and disaster response plans. They also work on improving infrastructure design for better resilience against various threats, aiming to minimize the potential impact on essential services and public safety.

NJFX’s Critical Infrastructure Forum marked a significant moment as the event brought together over 30 executives focusing on redefining cloud, IP, and global connectivity with a particular emphasis on supporting multinational banks’ applications. Key discussions centered on enhancing network infrastructure, enabling private backbone access to major cloud operators, and improving last-mile access solutions, especially in Latin America. The forum’s forward-thinking agenda proved prescient, anticipating many of today’s connectivity challenges. By facilitating these crucial conversations, we need to emphasize our pivotal role in shaping a future-proof, expansive internet infrastructure. This gathering of industry leaders not only raised awareness about critical infrastructure needs but also fostered collaboration, driving innovation towards a more connected and efficient global network.

Multiple cable routes ensure that if one line is damaged or experiences issues, data can still flow through alternative paths. This redundancy is crucial for maintaining global connectivity, especially for critical communications and business operations. Early collaboration between countries and companies is indeed vital in the development and maintenance of robust cable networks. Such partnerships allow for shared resources, expertise, and costs, which is particularly important given the scale and complexity of undersea cable projects. This collaboration can lead to more efficient planning, faster deployment, and better coverage of global communication needs. As our reliance on digital infrastructure grows, so does the need to protect these critical assets. Enhanced security protocols, regular monitoring, and rapid response capabilities are essential to safeguard against both physical threats and cyber attacks.

Emerging technologies for undersea cable protection include advanced sensors, stronger materials, and AI-powered monitoring systems. Meanwhile, alternative communication methods like satellite networks (e.g., Starlink) and high-altitude platforms are gaining traction as potential backups. This includes shared monitoring systems, joint research initiatives, standardized regulations, and collaborative disaster response plans. By working together, nations can better safeguard these vital communication arteries against physical damage, cyberattacks, and natural disasters to ensure a continuous flow of global data.

NJFX’s proactive stance highlights the importance of planning for future challenges in the rapidly evolving landscape of global connectivity. NJFX today can support 500kw with air cooled solutions amongst the developments of a 4.5-to-7.5MW liquid-cooled data hall with scalability in mind. These vital undersea arteries of information transfer underpin our increasingly interconnected world, facilitating everything from financial transactions to social media interactions. As we’ve seen from NJFX’s example, ensuring the security and resilience of these networks requires increased awareness and proactive measures from all stakeholders in the industry.

Moving forward, collaboration and comprehensive planning will be key to addressing the complex challenges facing our global communication infrastructure. Industry leaders, government bodies, and technology innovators must work together to develop robust strategies that can withstand both physical and cyber threats. By following the example set by forward-thinking organizations like NJFX, we can build a more secure, resilient, and efficient global network that will support the communications needs of generations to come. The future of our connected world depends on our ability to protect and optimize these crucial undersea links, ensuring uninterrupted global communication for years to come.