Installation and maintenance technology for undersea cable systems

Since 1963, AT&T has installed more than 230,000 kilometers of undersea cable systems. The extensive experience gained from the placement of such systems, as well as from their upkeep and repair, has allowed AT&T to develop and refine installation and maintenance techniques to their present, high state of efficiency and reliability. This paper discusses the tools and techniques typically used for installing undersea cable systems, as well as the ships employed for transporting and placing the cable. The paper concludes with a discussion of some plans for future installations that are being driven by markets and technology.