Taiwan's digital infrastructure faced challenges again as two submarine cables connecting Taiwan and the Matsu Islands were completely severed on January 22, marking the latest in a series of disruptions that highlight the vulnerability of critical communication networks in the region.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) confirmed the outage occurred at approximately 5 a.m. local time, triggering the immediate deployment of backup systems including microwave transmission and satellite communications. The incident affects the Taiwan-Matsu No. 2 and No. 3 cables, crucial lifelines for the offshore archipelago's digital connectivity.
"Initial intelligence, including Coast Guard radar playback and Chunghwa Telecom's monitoring systems, shows no suspicious vessels near the damaged cables," a MODA official said. "Preliminary assessment suggests natural degradation as the primary cause."
Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's leading telecommunications provider, expects repairs to be completed by the end of February, weather permitting. The company has activated a robust backup network, including an upgraded microwave system with 12.6 Gbps capacity, significantly exceeding Matsu's typical peak demand of 9 Gbps.
MODA's contingency response includes the activation of nine asynchronous satellites distributed across strategic locations in the Matsu archipelago. These backup systems ensure continued communications for essential services, including government operations, emergency response, and public safety networks.
"The redundancy measures implemented over recent years are functioning as intended," said the MODA official. "Despite the cable damage, residents and visitors in Matsu should experience minimal disruption to their daily communications needs."
International satellite providers step in
Eutelsat OneWeb, which operates eight of the nine backup satellites currently serving the Matsu region, emphasized the critical role of satellite communications in emergency response.
Credit: OneWeb
"Satellite communications are essential in emergencies, providing reliable, independent connectivity when terrestrial infrastructure fails," the spokesperson added. "When connectivity is disrupted, the immediate priority is to restore communications as quickly as possible. Satellite communication is a proven solution for rapid recovery, offering easy deployment, global coverage, and real-time connectivity for recovery efforts and essential services."
The company highlighted how such incidents serve as crucial learning opportunities. "In times of crisis, these situations not only highlight vulnerabilities but also prompt reflection and action to ensure preparedness for future events," the spokesperson explained. "Once the crisis subsides, it's crucial to strengthen communication strategies by implementing redundancy plans."
Eutelsat emphasized its technological capabilities in addressing such challenges. "Our GEO-LEO multi-orbit network provides a robust, redundant connection that meets our customers' needs, no matter the situation," the spokesperson said, adding that as a global company, they continuously monitor geopolitical conditions worldwide to identify risks and safeguard operations.
SES, which operates the medium-Earth orbit satellite(MEO) serving the region, declined to comment.
Regional tensions raise stakes for digital infrastructure
The disruption comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows similar incidents in the Baltic Sea and the Red Sea, where submarine cables have been damaged under questionable circumstances. The strategic importance of these cables makes them potential targets in geopolitical conflicts. As tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait, the risk of deliberate attacks on such infrastructure increases, which could lead to broader military confrontations and economic repercussions globally.
While authorities maintain this incident appears unrelated to geopolitical factors, some experts suggest it may be viewed as part of China's gray-zone tactics—actions that fall below the threshold of war but aim to exert pressure on Taiwan. This raises concerns about similar tactics being employed against other nations with strategic undersea cable networks, potentially destabilizing regional security frameworks.
Credit: AFP
The incident marks the fourth submarine cable disruption in 2025 alone, compared to three incidents each in 2023 and 2024. The Taiwan-Matsu cables, designated as critical infrastructure since 2013, typically provide over 550 Gbps of capacity, far exceeding daily requirements. This redundancy has proved crucial during peak periods such as the current Lunar New Year holiday, when bandwidth demand can surge with returning residents and visitors.
The incident has renewed focus on the vulnerability of undersea cables, which carry approximately 99% of international data traffic.
Budget cuts threaten future resilience plans
However, MODA's efforts to enhance digital infrastructure face significant headwinds. A proposed NT$5.3 billion (US$170 million) budget for strengthening communication resilience was recently cut by 56% in the Legislative Yuan, potentially hampering long-term security improvements.
The ministry is currently overseeing the construction of the Taiwan-Matsu No. 4 submarine cable, scheduled for completion in June 2026, which aims to diversify communication routes and enhance network reliability. The project is part of a broader strategy to fortify Taiwan's digital infrastructure against both natural and man-made disruptions.
MODA officials stress the need for continued investment in digital resilience, particularly as Taiwan faces both natural challenges and potential security threats to its communication infrastructure. The situation serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global communications and how regional conflicts can have far-reaching effects. Countries may need to reassess their reliance on specific routes for data transmission and explore alternative technologies, such as LEO satellites, to enhance resilience against potential disruptions.
Credit: AFP