Submarine cables are a core part of Australia's telecommunications network. Submarine cables are also referred to as subsea or undersea cables. They carry most international data traffic, and support essential services and economic activity.
Submarine cables connect Australia's domestic networks to international systems, and link mainland Australia with external territories and regional partners. They rely on enabling infrastructure such as landing stations and data centres, which support the delivery of digital services across the economy.
The Australian Government supports the deployment, maintenance and protection of submarine cable infrastructure through legislation, regulation and engagement with industry and governments.
Our department leads on Australian Government telecommunications policy, including policy that supports the deployment and resilience of submarine cable infrastructure. We work with regulators, other agencies, state and territory governments and industry.
Submarine cables and telecommunications deployment policy
Australia's telecommunications deployment policy supports the rollout, maintenance and resilience of infrastructure that underpins national connectivity.
Within this framework, submarine cables:
- enable Australia's participation in global digital markets
- support the reliability and resilience of domestic networks
- interact with terrestrial and mobile networks as part of an integrated communications system.
Policy settings for submarine cables support their deployment, operation and resilience while managing risks in the marine environment.
Submarine cable resilience
The Australian Government has a range of regulatory and legislative arrangements that support submarine cable resilience. Our department is responsible for policy and legislation relating to Schedule 3A of the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Tel Act),while the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) administers the measures established under Schedule 3A.
These measures are outlined in the Role of the ACMA section below.
These arrangements form part of broader efforts to support the reliability and resilience of telecommunications infrastructure, consistent with Australia's connectivity objectives.
Submarine cables may also be regulated as critical infrastructure. The Department of Home Affairs administers the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act), which sets security and resilience obligations for critical telecommunications assets. Additional obligations may apply to assets declared to be systems of national significance.
Legislative framework
Key legislation administered by our department includes:
- the Tel Act, which establishes submarine cable protection zones and related requirements, and
- the Submarine Cables and Pipelines Protection Act 1963, which creates offences and penalties for damage to submarine cables outside protection zones.
Role of the ACMA
The ACMA is the independent regulator that administers key parts of Australia's telecommunications framework, including the submarine cable protection regime under Schedule 3A of the Tel Act.
In relation to submarine cables, the ACMA:
- declares, varies and administers submarine cable protection zones, including prohibited and restricted activities
- administers the installation permit framework for submarine cables where required
- undertakes monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities, including in submarine cable protection zones
The ACMA works with industry, other regulators and government agencies to support the deployment, protection and ongoing operation of submarine cable infrastructure.
Further information is available on the ACMA website, including guidance on protection zones and the rules for operating around submarine cables: www.acma.gov.au/submarine-cables.
Deployment, installation and maintenance
The deployment, installation and maintenance of submarine telecommunications cables is subject to a range of Commonwealth regulatory processes.
Requirements vary depending on the location and nature of proposed works and may involve consultation with relevant government bodies.
Working with industry and stakeholders
Our department works with industry, regulators and other governments to support the deployment and resilience of submarine cables.
This includes:
- maintaining policy settings that support deployment and operation of submarine cables
- coordinating with regulators and agencies on protection and resilience arrangements
- engaging with industry and international partners to support best practice and awareness.