Say Goodbye to the Undersea Cable That Made the Global Internet Possible

Wired

by Jane Ruffino

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article debunks the long-standing myth that sharks are responsible for damaging undersea fiber-optic cables, which form the backbone of global internet connectivity. While sharks may occasionally interact with cables—such as during cable retrieval—they do not pose a significant threat to the underwater network. Instead, the focus should be on the human effort behind maintaining these critical systems, which ensure seamless communication across continents. The article highlights the retirement of TAT-8, the first transatlantic fiber-optic cable, which revolutionized international communication when it went into service in 1988. This historic cable, built by AT&T, British Telecom, and France Telecom, marked the beginning of modern undersea connectivity. Its decommissioning underscores the importance of recognizing the engineers, offshore workers, and technicians who work tirelessly to maintain these cables, often facing challenging conditions at sea. The piece also delves into the technical and historical significance of fiber-optic technology, which was initially developed for telephone communication in the 1960s. The transition from terrestrial use to transoceanic deployment represented a monumental leap in global connectivity, enabling near-instantaneous communication that we now take for granted. This innovation not only transformed how people communicate but also laid the foundation for today's interconnected world. For tech enthusiasts and those interested in internet infrastructure, understanding the real story behind subsea cables is crucial. These systems are often overlooked until they fail, yet their role in enabling everything from international phone calls to global data exchange is indispensable. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the human effort behind these engineering feats, which keep our digital world connected and functioning smoothly. In summary, the article shifts the spotlight away from myths about sharks and toward the engineers and workers who ensure the reliability of undersea cables. Their work is essential for maintaining the global internet infrastructure that powers modern communication, making their contributions both historically significant and vital to our daily lives.

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Originally published on Wired on 2/23/2026