Actually, it turns out that the bulk of direct, international communication takes place via fiber-optic cable strung across the ocean. Seriously. Seem like an epic underatking: running thousands and thousands of miles of light-carrying wires across the inky depths of the oceans? Well, it is epic.
Up until very, very recently, it's also been super-secret. The locations of those cable, I mean, has been secret. Now, however, there's an AMAZING, interactive, data-heavy map of the cables created by (sponsored by?) a company called Telegeography.
Now, I don't know much about the company, but I know a good map when I see one. Go check out the mapo and learn a little more about what's involved when you email your friend in France a picture of a cat wearing socks.
(hat-tip to Gizmodo).
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