The Critical Role of Backhaul Management in Submarine Network Topology & Operations

Andy Everest


Subscribe Contact us

Introduction


In today's interconnected world, submarine cable networks form the backbone of global communication, enabling the seamless exchange of data across continents.


While these undersea cables are the epitome of engineering marvels, their effectiveness hinges not only on the ‘wet' network in the seabed, but also on the often-overlooked terrestrial network backhaul.


The terrestrial backhaul — the infrastructure that connects submarine cable landing stations to inland data centres and networks — is as crucial as the submarine network itself. Proper management and handling of terrestrial backhaul partners is essential to ensure the optimal performance, cost-efficiency, and security of all submarine networks.


The Vital Importance of Backhaul Management


Submarine networks are only as strong as their weakest link, and the terrestrial backhaul is a pivotal link in this ecosystem. Without a well-designed and managed backhaul, even the most sophisticated submarine network can face inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and vulnerabilities.


Key reasons why managing terrestrial network backhaul partners is so critical include:


Cost Optimisation


Terrestrial backhaul costs constitute a significant portion of the total network expenditure. Poorly negotiated contracts or suboptimal supplier relationships can inflate operational costs, diminishing the overall profitability of submarine networks.


Network Performance


The design, quality, and reliability of terrestrial backhaul networks directly affect latency, throughput, and overall user experience. A poorly managed partner ecosystem can lead to performance degradation, affecting service delivery.


Security and Risk Mitigation


The terrestrial segment is often more vulnerable to physical and cyber threats compared to submarine cables. Effective partner management ensures that security measures are prioritised, and risks are mitigated.


Scalability and Flexibility


As data demands grow, submarine networks must scale effectively. Well-managed terrestrial backhaul partners enable seamless scaling and adaptability to meet changing requirements.

How We Can Help


Introducing Cambridge Management Consulting’s ‘Backhaul Management As A Service (BMaaS)’, which we’ve put together to address the challenges which we see facing our customers when it comes to designing and building a holistic submarine network inclusive of the terrestrial backhaul.


'Backhaul Management As A Service (BMaaS)', offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to simplify, streamline, and optimise the implementation, and subsequent management, of terrestrial backhaul partners.


BMaaS offers a holistic approach, encompassing strategy, procurement, supplier management, and much more.


Key Components of Cambridge MC’s BMaaS


  • Strategy: We design a glidepath that ensures the acquisition of successful backhaul partners at the right price, with an optimal network design and secure performance.


  • Supplier Management as a Service (SMaaS): A turn-key solution for managing all procurement activities. This service secures best practices and achieves the most optimised cost models.


  • Procurement Management as a Service (PaaS): Our off-the-shelf procurement services streamline and execute the lifecycle of backhaul partnerships.


  • Contract Management as a Service (CMaaS): This addresses the complex challenges of managing contracts and suppliers post-signature, ensuring adherence to terms and performance metrics.


  • Pricing Team Support: Offering robust pricing support and managing RFP/RFQ processes to deliver strategies and solutions for procurement exercises that lie outside normal business-as-usual operations.


  • Invoice & Inventory Auditing & Analytics: A critical review of backhaul services, including supplier inventory and billing, to ensure alignment with contractual agreements.


Summary of Benefits


In conclusion, while submarine networks are critical to global connectivity, their full potential can only be fully realised with effective terrestrial backhaul management. Cambridge Management Consulting’s BMaaS offering provides a structured, strategic, and results-driven approach to managing terrestrial network backhaul partners, ensuring cost-efficiency, performance, and security.


By leveraging BMaaS, clients can navigate the complexities of backhaul management with confidence, unlocking the true value of their submarine network investments, and exploit Cambridge Management Consulting’s vast experience in this sector.


For more information email the team at info@cambridgemc.com or use the contact form below.


Contact - Backhaul Management article

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Blog Subscribe

SHARE CONTENT

Sun through the trees
by Scott Armstrong 26 November 2025
Nature means something different to everyone. For some, it is a dog-walk through the park; for others, it is hiking misty mountains in Scotland, swimming in turquoise waters, or exploring tropical forests in Costa Rica.
Aerial view of Westminster, London.
by Craig Cheney 25 November 2025
With the UK Budget being published tomorrow, councils are facing intense financial pressure. Rising demand for adult and children’s social care, homelessness services, and temporary accommodation has left little room for manoeuvre.
by Cambridge Management Consulting 20 November 2025
Press Release
Lightning strike in dark sky
by Scott Armstrong 17 November 2025
Non-commodity charges are driving UK energy costs higher. Discover what’s changing, why it matters, and the steps businesses should take to protect budgets | READ NOW
Futuristic building with greenery growing out of it.
by Cambridge Management Consulting 10 November 2025
Over the last few decades, carbon offsetting has become a go-to strategy for businesses looking to demonstrate sustainability commitments and enhance their external credibility. Offsetting takes many forms, from tree planting and forest conservation to providing communities with clean cookstoves and renewable energy.
Aerial view of solar panels in a green field.
by Drew Davy 7 November 2025
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have moved from niche considerations to critical drivers of long-term value, investor confidence, and societal impact.
Two blocks of data with bottleneck inbetween
by Paul Brooker 29 October 2025
Read our article on hidden complexity and find out how shadow IT, duplicate tools and siloed buying bloat costs. See how CIOs gain a single view of IT spend to cut waste, boost compliance and unlock 5–7% annual savings | READ FULL ARTICLE
More posts