Satellites and submarine cables

Tue Oct 27 00:31:14 UTC 2015

Since the weekend's list problems seem to have died down.  How about some 
infrastructure news.

http://spacenews.com/from-russia-some-unofficial-assurance-about-lurking-luch-satellites-intent/
>From Russia, Unofficial Assurance about Intent of Lurking Luch Satellite

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/26/world/europe/russian-presence-near-undersea-cables-concerns-us.html
Russian Ships Near Data Cables Are Too Close for U.S. Comfort

This seems to be a case of "I know you can see me, and I can see you."

Its not new. Multiple countries have demostrated submarine and 
satellite capabilities over the decades ... more submarines than 
satellites. But generally everyone has more to lose than gain.  What is 
different is the increasingly public rhetoric.

Occasional satellites or submarine cable disruptions haven't had long 
term impact on the US mainland due to US connectivity options. 
Carriers serving the US mainland regularly have outages and repair 
submarine cable and satellite problems. But countries with less 
connectivity options could get pushed around more, along the lines of 
"Make him an offer he can't refuse."  Some of the public rhetoric may be 
for allies.