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The Frontiers and Future of Submarine Cables

On August 19, 2026, a significant seminar titled "The Frontiers and Future of Submarine Cables" will take place, hosted by renowned experts Koji Enomoto from PwC Consulting, Motoharu Murakami from NEC Corporation, and Hideo Furukawa from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). This event aims to highlight the crucial role submarine cables play in today’s international landscape, a discussion made even more relevant amidst rising global uncertainties.

Seminar Details

The seminar will be held from 1:30 PM to 4:40 PM at the SSK Seminar Room located in the Zaimax Nishi-Shinbashi Building in Tokyo. Participants have the option to attend in-person, watch via a live Zoom webinar, or access an archive of the seminar for two weeks post-event.

Key Topics to be Discussed

The event promises an exciting lineup of topics, ranging from geopolitical risks impacting submarine cables to cutting-edge technological developments in fiber optic transmission. The seminar is segmented into three main lectures:

1. The Changing Environment Surrounding Submarine Cables in an Uncertain Global Society (Koji Enomoto, 1:30 PM – 2:35 PM)
- Enomoto will outline the complexities and risks that define the current landscape, emphasizing that as geopolitical divides widen and uncertainties mount, understanding their impacts on vital underwater infrastructures becomes paramount. This analysis will include:
- The escalating complexities of international geopolitics.
- The increasing importance of submarine cables amidst changing industrial structures.
- Current trends and dynamics in the international arena related to submarine cables.
- The effects of macro-environmental changes on submarine cables.
- A Q&A session to promote exchange of ideas.

2. The Rise of Hyperscalers and Changes in International Communications Infrastructure (Motoharu Murakami, 2:45 PM – 3:50 PM)
- Murakami’s session will focus on how hyperscalers are dramatically increasing the demand for submarine cable systems, driven by the AI revolution. In a landscape where 99% of international communication is dependent on these cables, he will cover:
- An overview of submarine cable businesses and NEC's position in the market.
- The construction and laying processes of submarine cable systems.
- The evolution of the communications market and technological trends.
- Major risks associated with submarine cables and future outlook.
- A session for questions and networking.

3. Future of High-Capacity Fiber Transmission and Fiber Sensing in Submarine Cables (Hideo Furukawa, 4:00 PM – 4:40 PM)
- Furukawa will address the urgent necessity for high-capacity solutions in submarine cables, which constitute the backbone of global communications. Key points will include:
- Current state and future challenges related to submarine cables.
- Limitations faced by existing single-mode fiber optic systems.
- The latest in multi-core fiber technologies and their implications for high-capacity transmission.
- The crucial role of fiber sensing technology in protecting submarine cables.
- Another Q&A for audience engagement.

Conclusion

As organizations like SSK support the push for innovation and strategic insight in the technology landscape, this seminar is primed not only to shed light on the present state of submarine cables but also to inspire actionable strategies for the future. Attendees are encouraged to participate in discussions, share their insights, and build meaningful connections in the field of telecommunications.
For more information, visit the seminar’s official page at SSK.