The future of global connectivity through the hybrid power of LEO satellites and submarine cables
Published by Colt Technology Services on September 24, 2025
By Aaron Partouche, Innovation Director, Colt Technology Services
The future of global connectivity is undeniably being shaped by the synergistic power of LEO satellites and submarine cables. While subsea cables currently carry approximately 99% of international data traffic, serving as the undisputed backbone of global communications, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are rapidly emerging as a robust and vital complement. This hybrid model is transforming how data flows globally, ensuring more robust and far-reaching communication networks.
The impact of the rise of LEO satellites
According to projections from Goldman Sachs Research, over 70,000 advanced Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are expected to be launched within the next five years. Multiple key factors are propelling the rapid global expansion of satellite connectivity. Foremost among these is the declining cost of satellite launches, driven by advancements in reusable rocket technologies, which have significantly enhanced the economic feasibility of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) deployments. This unparalleled expansion in satellite deployment promises exceptional redundancy and resilience, significantly strengthening the reliability of global networking infrastructure. In an era of deepening interconnectivity, where uninterrupted access to digital services is critical for business continuity, such resilience is not merely advantageous — it is indispensable.
By harnessing the capabilities of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, enterprises can benefit from significantly faster data transfer speeds, reduced latency, and strengthened security. These advantages make LEO satellite networks a compelling choice for organisations and businesses that demand robust, high-performance, and dependable connectivity solutions.
Subsea cables – The underwater backbone of the digital age
Subsea cables remain the indisputable backbone of global data traffic, carrying an estimated 99% of all international internet communications. This foundational infrastructure is experiencing significant growth, with the global submarine cable system market valued at approximately USD 22.96 billion in 2025 and projected to reach around USD 54.81 billion by 2034, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.15%. Major technology companies are investing; for instance, Meta’s “Project Waterworth” is a multi-billion dollar endeavour spanning over 50,000 km to connect five continents, while Google has allocated $1 billion for new subsea cable networks to enhance connectivity between the US and Japan, reflecting the continuous need for high-capacity, resilient global data highways.
Colt’s role in hybrid network architecture
The future of global connectivity lies at the intersection of subsea fibre infrastructure and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite innovation. These two traditionally distinct domains are now rapidly converging, and Colt Technology Services (Colt) is uniquely positioned at this crucial crossroads.
With advanced capabilities spanning both arenas, Colt is pioneering hybrid network architectures that seamlessly integrate space-based constellations with high-capacity subsea routes. This strategic convergence ensures unparalleled global reach and resilience. Colt’s commitment to this hybrid model is evident in its robust infrastructure, which includes five transatlantic fibre routes: Grace Hopper, Dunant, Yellow, Atlantic Crossing 1 South, and Apollo South. These critical arteries are complemented by groundbreaking achievements like the first-ever 1.2Tb/s transmission on the Grace Hopper cable, demonstrating Colt’s leadership in pushing the boundaries of data transmission speed and capacity. Colt recently enhanced its portfolio with the seamless introduction of Managed LEO+. This innovative managed service ingeniously integrates Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite and 4G/5G cellular connectivity, providing businesses with robust, next-generation networking solutions. Now available across 65 countries, Managed LEO+ offers significantly improved connectivity.
By harmonising the foundational strength of subsea cables with the agile reach of LEO satellites, Colt is actively reshaping the landscape of global communication, delivering more robust and far-reaching networks for the digital age.
Safeguarding tomorrow: Quantum-resilient networks powered by LEO satellites
As digital connectivity becomes more advanced, so too must its defences. Colt Technology Services, Honeywell, and Nokia have launched a pioneering collaboration to explore quantum-safe networking through satellite communications. This initiative is dedicated to constructing a resilient and secure communication infrastructure, ensuring national sovereignty and future adaptability. This will be achieved through the implementation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) capabilities spanning extensive ranges, notably including transatlantic links. QKD is a crucial technology for secure cryptographic key exchange. While its current range is limited, QKD can be extended globally, including across transatlantic distances, through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Concurrently, enterprises are exploring both space-based and subsea methods to establish robust, quantum-resistant infrastructures. This advancement is especially vital for sectors handling highly sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and government.
Conclusion
The rapid deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is reshaping the landscape of global connectivity, adding a transformative new layer to existing infrastructure. This innovative combination of technologies is changing how data is transmitted, ensuring more resilient and far-reaching communication networks. By reinforcing the powerful synergy between LEO satellites and submarine cables, this evolution marks a significant step forward in the way the world transmits and accesses data. By leveraging the strengths of both LEO satellites and submarine cables, this hybrid model is well-equipped to adapt to the evolving demands of the digital age. The combination between space-based and seabed-based infrastructure is proving essential. Together, LEO satellites and submarine cables are shaping a future where global data movement is not only faster and more efficient but also more accessible to all.
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