Below the Surface, a Battle for Europe’s Data Routes

EXA Infrastructure’s Aqua Comms deal consolidates vital transatlantic cables as Europe strengthens resilience amid surging data demand

5 Jan 2026

A quiet shift is taking place on the ocean floor, and it is changing how Europe connects to the world. EXA Infrastructure’s acquisition of subsea cable operator Aqua Comms is more than a routine deal. It signals a deeper push for control over the digital arteries that carry global data.

The agreement places several major transatlantic cable systems under EXA Infrastructure’s wing, including AEC-1, AEC-2, CC-1, and CC-2. These routes link Ireland, the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and North America. Aqua Comms is also a partner in the Amitié cable, a newer system connecting the United States, the UK, and France. Together, they form some of the busiest data corridors between Europe and America.

These cables handle the heavy lifting of modern life. Cloud platforms, video streaming, and enterprise networks all depend on them. As demand keeps climbing, the focus is shifting from sheer capacity to reliability and control. Owning multiple routes allows operators to redirect traffic when faults or damage occur, reducing outages that can disrupt entire markets.

EXA Infrastructure’s leadership has framed the move as a way to strengthen resilience while simplifying how subsea and land networks work together. The company already runs more than 160,000 kilometers of fiber across 37 countries. Adding subsea assets tightens that web. For large customers, fewer network handoffs can mean clearer responsibility and steadier performance.

The timing is no accident. Building new undersea cables takes years and demands huge upfront spending. In a market under pressure, buying existing systems can be faster and less risky than starting from scratch. With backing from I Squared Capital, EXA Infrastructure has the resources to move quickly.

Beyond one company, the deal reflects a broader trend. Subsea networks are consolidating as costs rise and security concerns grow. European policymakers increasingly see these cables as strategic infrastructure, tied to economic stability and digital independence.

The message from beneath the waves is clear. Control of data routes now carries as much weight as the data itself. Those willing to invest below the surface are shaping Europe’s digital future.