The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is conducting its first comprehensive review of submarine cable rules since 2001 to enhance the protection of the nation’s submarine cable infrastructure amid evolving national security concerns. The review also proposes that all applicants for cable landing licenses and licensees submitting periodic reports must certify that they have developed and implemented cybersecurity risk management plans. Existing licensees must also provide this certification for the first time, following a prioritization schedule.
Additionally, applicants and licensees must confirm they take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their systems. The cybersecurity plans should outline identified risks, mitigation controls, and how these controls are effectively applied. The Commission is seeking comments on these proposals.
The FCC review also aims to establish new rules for better safeguarding submarine cable infrastructure, including a proposed three-year reporting requirement for landing licenses and potential changes to the current 25-year license term. The FCC also seeks to clarify its…
