What the numbers mean
The international backbone runs beneath the sea.
The International Telecommunication Union reported that more than 99% of international data traffic is carried by submarine telecommunications cables. A wireless connection near you can be one small part of a much longer physical journey.
Read the sourcesA network has geography
ITU describes cables crossing oceans and networks connecting places across land. A message follows physical infrastructure, even when its first hop is wireless. Its route depends on the networks and servers involved. The global statistic cannot tell us where one particular message travelled, or whether it left its country at all. [1]
Many routes make a stronger connection
The International Cable Protection Committee explains why networks need backup routes. If a cable fails, operators can redirect traffic where another connection has enough capacity. They also monitor cable performance. A reliable service depends on those alternatives and on maintenance; a single cable does not have to carry every journey. [2]
A digital world still needs physical maintenance
Natural hazards, fishing and other human activities can damage cables. Repairs need specialised equipment, crews and permission to reach the affected area. The committee explains how route planning and repair access affect reliability. The connections behind a video call or a cloud service still depend on people working in the physical world. [2]