Submarine Cable Networks

Since the first optical submarine cable in 1988, copper has been the default conductor material due to its low resistance and reliability. However, aluminum is emerging as a lighter, more cost-effective alternative. Analysis shows that an aluminum conductor with equivalent resistance weighs ~50% less and costs ~87% less than copper, while delivering comparable performance. This significant reduction in cost and weight simplifies cable installation and fault recovery, making aluminum a compelling choice for future large-scale subsea deployments.