Broadband Breakfast on July 9, 2025 - Undersea Cables and Global Conflict

Highlights reel:

Full video for Breakfast Club Members:

Amid rising global tensions, the flow of information through subsea cables has been a prime target for sabotage. The latest conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere have serious implications for connectivity infrastructure worldwide. This Broadband Breakfast live session will consider the impacts that global conflict has on subsea broadband infrastructure and global connectivity. What are the potential global consequences if major subsea broadband cables are damaged or disrupted? How are governments responding to the increased risks to subsea cable networks? How might geopolitical instability shape the future planning of subsea broadband networks?

Panelists

• Doug Madory, Director of Internet Analysis, Kentik
• Evelyn Remaley, Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
• Rob Frieden, Academy and Emeritus Professor of Telecommunications and Law, Penn State University
• Julian Rawle, Principal, Julian Rawle Consulting LLC
• Erick Contag, President, SubOptic Foundation
• Ted Hearn (moderator), Managing Editor, Broadband Breakfast

Doug Madory is the Director of Internet Analysis for Kentik where he works on Internet infrastructure analysis. The Washington Post dubbed him “The Man who can see the Internet" for his reputation for breaking major stories about the global Internet. Doug is regularly quoted by major news outlets about developments ranging from national blackouts to BGP hijacks to the activation of subsea cables.

Evelyn Remaley is a recognized leader in the government and private sector where she advises clients on the intersection between technology advancement and national security. Prior to her role as Partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, Evelyn served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Acting Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. From the early days of the Internet, she has worked across the public and private sectors – from public libraries, to the national security community, to large ISPs – to shape policies that promote technical advancement and digital connectivity, while protecting national security, global competitiveness, and U.S. values.

Rob Frieden holds the rank of Academy and Emeritus Professor of Telecommunications and Law at Penn State University. He serves as an educator, researcher, grant seeker and consultant in the law, regulation, and business of broadband networks, cybersecurity, electronic commerce, intellectual property, the Internet of Things, privacy, regulatory reform, satellites and spectrum management. Professor Frieden has published 4 books, written over 100 articles in law and telecommunications policy journals and frequently provides insights on current topics in telecommunications law and policy for media, conference attendees, and consultancy clients throughout the world.

Julian Rawle has been working in the submarine fiber-optic industry for over 25 years, advising entrepreneurs, private investors, and financial institutions on the strategic, financial, and commercial implications of several paradigm shifts in the market which have occurred during this period. Most recently, he participated in an Internet Society-sponsored project with the SubOptic Foundation, researching strategic resilience of the Internet in the Caribbean region.

Erick W. Contag is a seasoned telecom and digital infrastructure executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across the Americas. He is Founder & CEO of boutique strategy advisory firm StratWorks, President of the SubOptic Foundation, and former Chairman and CEO and GlobeNet. Recognized multiple times in the Global Telecoms Business Power 100, Erick specializes in building high-performance teams and sustainable technology ventures. He actively contributes to industry boards and champions education and research.

Ted Hearn is Managing Editor for Broadband Breakfast. He is also Editor and Publisher of Policyband, a website dedicated to comprehensive coverage of the broadband communications market.