In the winter of 1910 the underwater cable that allowed telegraphic communication broke.

Although there have been advances in satellite technology, underwater cables remain the fastest, most efficient way to send information between continents.

Underwater cables transmit 97 per cent international data as $10trillion in daily financial transactions.

However, downloading delays could soon be cut after the completion of a web of underwater cables.

Underwater cables that criss-cross the ocean floor are the internet's backbone, carrying 98 per cent of international traffic.