6 | P a g e
PROMOTING
INNOVATION
The intersection of science and technology
is a place of exciting innovation.
Antarctica is a unique frontier with many
environmental, biological, and geological
discoveries yet to be made; it is also a
technological frontier as it is the only
remaining continent without submarine
fiber optic communications, relying on low-
bandwidth
satellite
for
information
transmission. The addition of a new SMART
cable system could open a world of
discovery,
scientific
excitement,
and
international engagement.
The National Science Foundation seeks
to
explore
the
construction
of
the
SMART cable system through strategic
partnerships among government, science,
and
emerging
technology
sectors
to
promote scientific discoveries via the
U.S. Antarctic Program.