I'd say the owner owns it, which these days is usually not a nation. What's probably more interesting is what law governs them, and it turns out they're regula

I'd say the owner owns it, which these days is usually not a nation. What's probably more interesting is what law governs them, and it turns out they're regulated under several conventions, including a dedicated one from 1884 and the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). [1] has a pretty good summary if you're curious. [1] https://www.noaa.gov/general-counsel/gc-international-section/submarine-cables-international-framework https://www.noaa.gov/general-counsel/gc-international-sectio...