Improving the Freedom of Repairing Telecommunication Submarine Cables in Southeast Asia

Abstract

In October 2019, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (asean) Telecommuni cation and Information Technology Ministers adopted the asean Guidelines for Strengthening Resilience and Repair of Submarine Cables. This is the first instrument relating specifically to telecommunication submarine cables under asean. This represents an important increase of awareness by asean about a swift process for submarine cables repairing. However, the Guidelines recognise that coastal States can grant permits over the repair of submarine cables in waters where they have sovereign rights and jurisdiction, an approach also adopted by many asean Member States. This article argues for an improvement of the freedom of repairing submarine cables in the region in order to expedite the repair of submarine cables in Southeast Asia. It does so by identifying what can be improved in the process of granting permits for repairing submarine cables in asean Member States and suggesting next steps to be taken by asean.